American Cyclist
New Member
My first cycling event was a couple of weeks ago and I am just getting around to writing a full report. (All of the money earned from the event is donated to the local hospital to help cure cancer.)
I just started cycling a few months ago and the furthest I had ever cycled at once was 35 miles. I am cycling on a trek hybrid/commuter by the way. The event had routes ranging from 5, 15, 25, 40, 60, and 100 miles. I signed up to cycle the 40 mile route.
I got to the event and everyone was very helpful and happy and it was a great start to the day. They offered a free breakfast which I didn't know so I ate before I got there! Anyways, I set off on my 40 mile route at a easy pace just enjoying the ride, at about 10 miles these two older(45-55 year old) cyclists overtook me on there $1,500+ bicycles. Up until this point I was overtaking most people, so I decided to pick up the pace and see if I would be able to keep up. When I picked up the pace to keep up my cycle computer was reading 24mph for about 2 miles, then they slowed down to about 19mph. After a few more miles one of them dropped back to talk to me and was very polite. He was surprised how I was able to keep up on my trek hybrid. A couple more miles down the road they caught up to there group of 4 more cyclists, they had fallen behind because of a flat tire. When they stopped to talk to there group I was just going to keep on riding because I didn't want to feel like I was imposing, then they asked me if I wanted to tag along. Of course I said yes because it was a lot more fun cycling with them rather than by myself!
I soon found out they were cycling the 60 mile route, and they soon talked me into doing 60 miles with them. There were 4 SAGS on the 60 mile route and there was all kinds of free food and snacks at every stop which I fully took advantage of. Our last stop was at 50 miles, I got off my bicycle and my legs were pounding with pain, the pressure of just standing was killing them, it actually felt better to be cycling at this point because I had less weight on them. OH, and I was stung by a bee on my right leg at about 35 miles. My group was very encouraging and helped me push through the last 10 miles to the finish.
My cycle computer clocked me at 3 hours and 38 minutes not including SAGS which were around 10 minutes each. At the end they had more free food! I enjoyed myself so much, and the fact that EVERYONE (even the volunteers!) were just having a good time it just made the event that much better. I definately plan on doing more events and I also plan on doing the 100 mile route at this event next year.
I just started cycling a few months ago and the furthest I had ever cycled at once was 35 miles. I am cycling on a trek hybrid/commuter by the way. The event had routes ranging from 5, 15, 25, 40, 60, and 100 miles. I signed up to cycle the 40 mile route.
I got to the event and everyone was very helpful and happy and it was a great start to the day. They offered a free breakfast which I didn't know so I ate before I got there! Anyways, I set off on my 40 mile route at a easy pace just enjoying the ride, at about 10 miles these two older(45-55 year old) cyclists overtook me on there $1,500+ bicycles. Up until this point I was overtaking most people, so I decided to pick up the pace and see if I would be able to keep up. When I picked up the pace to keep up my cycle computer was reading 24mph for about 2 miles, then they slowed down to about 19mph. After a few more miles one of them dropped back to talk to me and was very polite. He was surprised how I was able to keep up on my trek hybrid. A couple more miles down the road they caught up to there group of 4 more cyclists, they had fallen behind because of a flat tire. When they stopped to talk to there group I was just going to keep on riding because I didn't want to feel like I was imposing, then they asked me if I wanted to tag along. Of course I said yes because it was a lot more fun cycling with them rather than by myself!
I soon found out they were cycling the 60 mile route, and they soon talked me into doing 60 miles with them. There were 4 SAGS on the 60 mile route and there was all kinds of free food and snacks at every stop which I fully took advantage of. Our last stop was at 50 miles, I got off my bicycle and my legs were pounding with pain, the pressure of just standing was killing them, it actually felt better to be cycling at this point because I had less weight on them. OH, and I was stung by a bee on my right leg at about 35 miles. My group was very encouraging and helped me push through the last 10 miles to the finish.
My cycle computer clocked me at 3 hours and 38 minutes not including SAGS which were around 10 minutes each. At the end they had more free food! I enjoyed myself so much, and the fact that EVERYONE (even the volunteers!) were just having a good time it just made the event that much better. I definately plan on doing more events and I also plan on doing the 100 mile route at this event next year.
Whereabouts was your ride, it'd be interesting to look it up on streetview and see where other CC'ers around the world cycle.