Topic: First Century Attempt - No Fun to Be Had
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Michelle
WA
Member Since:
06/20/2007 Total Posts: 36
5.4 Months Ago
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On Saturday my first century was scheduled in prepping for my first Ironman in Sept. Recommended that I do this charity ride across the mountains, sounds good. Check the weather Friday and see 20-30 mph winds. I don't have a good reference point on wind so I inquire. Told should be fine, just a longer day, but no reason not to go. Well I start out and its a pretty good headwind with occasional gusty crosswinds. The first 40 miles are along a highway with semi's, giant RVs and cars shaking me going 65-70. I thought driving 2 1/2 hours, half tank of gas and paying for this ride would get me nice, peaceful country roads, wrong. Seriously considered turning this into the 50 miler, but asked someone about the rest of the ride and sounded like better roads so I continued on. Well, there were only about 20 miles of better roads and than onto another highway heading back.
Came to a point where route headed straight for a short out and back, but you were at the intersection where you would head back. I come up to 2 guys whose bikes were headed left and commented that I have a decision to make. They said they'd allready made their decision. Good enough for me, I turned left as well and cut this century to 93.8 with no regrets.
The winds continued and got worse with the crosswinds. I was being blown around pretty good and with cars screaming past, my nerves were pretty well shot. I got caught once in too high a gear and a gusty headwind actually stopped me. I heard someone at end say they were gusting at 40 mph.
I was supposed to do a 20 min. brick, but pretty much decided that wasn't happening today. But I'll put my running shoes on and go for just a little bit. Well I ran till I saw they were serving meatball sandwiches and called it a day. Called my husband and asked him to make sure there were lots of cold beer for me in fridge, I would be needing it.
So, I won't be seeking out windy rides, but should I get caught in it, are there any tips to dealing with it other than holding on for dear life? This ride really made me question my sanity in thinking I can do an ironman. |
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Re: First Century Attempt - No Fun to Be Had
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Talia
BC
Member Since:
04/16/2007 Total Posts: 58
5.4 Months Ago
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My strategy for wind is the same as yours; hold on for dear life. I freequently get blown around by big trucks and RVs and such..it certainly isn't any fun. Way to go for making it 93miles though, I probably would have turned around long before! |
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Re: First Century Attempt - No Fun to Be Had
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Tammie
WI
Member Since:
10/10/2005 Total Posts: 571
5.4 Months Ago
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I agree, I used to hate hills, but then I realized that hills have a top, and then they are done... Sometimes the wind never stops! I truly have a hate hate relationship with the wind. As I am riding into the wind I just keep thinking to myself "This is making me stronger".
Keep your head down , get into the Aero bars and ride!!! |
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Re: First Century Attempt - No Fun to Be Had
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paul
ca
Member Since:
03/05/2008 Total Posts: 40
5.4 Months Ago
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As someone who often rides in the wind, I find myself doing litttle psych tricks to keep me sane. I often just smile, laugh or giggle at the wind to try and keep myself from actually cussing at it (which I do often as well). You just have to push through knowing that it will make you stronger and when it comes down to a race or Ironman, know that everyone else is "dealing" with it as well.
Way to persavere on your century as well! I would be upset with the organizers of the event if it was nearly all next to a hiway though!
good luck,
Paul |
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Re: First Century Attempt - No Fun to Be Had
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Nicole
VA
Member Since:
11/24/2006 Total Posts: 202
5.3 Months Ago
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Michelle, you can do an Ironman!! My wind strategy is getting in the aerobars, keep my cadence high and remember that everyone else around me is in the same wind! I too curse, sing silly songs about the wind that I make up and other things to occupy my mind like multiplication or long division, whatever works for you, go with it! Good luck!! :) |
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Re: First Century Attempt - No Fun to Be Had
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Michelle
WA
Member Since:
06/20/2007 Total Posts: 36
5.3 Months Ago
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Thanks everyone for the advice and words of encouragement. I'll try and keep positive next time I'm facing tough conditions. |
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