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June 22, 2004
I Did it!
Saturday June 19th was my first individual bike race ever, and I finished! It wasn't pretty, nor was it quick, but I managed to pedal my 36-pound bike through the 67-kilometer course. Jostling for positions with the other 800 riders I pedalled my way up the residential roads heading for the single track.
The Squamish residents provided fantastic support! Some had sprinklers spraying the riders as they spun by in the 30-degree heat. Many stood at the roadside to cheer, clap or "cowbell". One guy went as far as to set up flat station, (an air compressor, spare tubes and tire irons), in case anyone happened to pop a tube in front of his house. My favorite spectators, however, were the ones sporting minimal clothing, turning a lobsterish red, sipping the spoils from a cooler of booze.
Without getting into the nitty details of my race I will give the summary:
1-34km -> I went out at a good clip with the 800 other riders. I rode the first half of the race as well I could in the crowded conditions.
34-47km -> During the ascent of the aptly named 9-mile hill I slowed my pace considerably, (to a walk at points).
48-55km -> I rode a reasonably quick and technical sound downhill.
55km -> My legs CRAMPED up beyond my wildest imagination. The muscle spasm reached from my knee to my hip on the left leg and very close to the same on the right. I layed on the side of the trail I watched countless riders zip by me as I massaged, drank and ate.
55-67 -> I made my way towards the finish, trying to ride as fast as I could without having the cramps attack. With only one other major spasm I reached the finish line dehydrated, disoriented and sore.
4 hour and 47 minutes after the start, I crossed the finish line. I am not thrilled with the time, nor am I upset. The best part is I finished the race, (many didn't), and I now have a goal to improve my time for next year, (or maybe the year after that).
Posted by jmclean at June 22, 2004 09:41 PM
Comments
I find the trick to curing cramps is to not race. Congrats on your first event, Jen!
Posted by: Jeff at June 23, 2004 06:15 PM
I also cramped while I was dragging my huge cooler of booze to Squamish to watch. Way to go Jen!!!
Posted by: Mary at June 24, 2004 10:58 AM
Way to go Jenn, let me know when your next race is, I'll be one of those people with "minimal clothing, turning a lobsterish red, sipping the spoils from a cooler of booze".
Actually, scratch that Mary will be the lobsterish red, I'll just be drinking!
Posted by: Shara at June 24, 2004 11:01 AM
4:47 is a fantastic time! Well done Jen. Be on the lookout next year for the SOB's (Slow old bastards) riding team. Or we may all shave our heads and enter as the "Four Skins" See you there next year! Again, Congrats!!!
Posted by: Jim at June 29, 2004 01:58 PM