i heart road bikes...

(this is a long post, sorry, but it reads fast)

Today was another one of those “let’s see if I can do this” days

You know, the days where you get a crazy idea in your head, seem to somehow talk yourself into it, and then before you know it you’re off and running towards it excited to see what will really turn out, will this be the best thing ever, or not so. (I feel like that’s my life in general right, but I’ll tell you more later)

Today’s bright idea centered around a lunch meeting I had in E-town.

[For my southern friends E-town (more formally known as Elizabethtown) is a good 30-35 minute car ride from my house, most of which is on the interstate.]

Pearl and I knew the day that we decided to down size to one car this day would come. The day where I needed to be in one place and her another.

She offered to rearrange her day to take me to my luncheon, but I was in some sick way excited about this adventure.

So this morning I rolled out the house, in pursuit of making it to E-town, not by car but by bike.

Now’s a good time to tell you of a really odd desire I’ve had since being a JR in High school. Ever since getting my bike I’ve wanted to ride a “century” or a 100 mile ride. I don’t know why but I’ve always been enticed by this.

So today as I rolled out on my 23 mile trip to the restaurant, I decided I would take a longer way home and may be, just maybe hit a huge milestone on my way to this goal, a half century (that’s right you math geniuses, that’s 50 miles)

Let’s just say I started out strong, I felt super good, I imaged this being a cake walk, may be I should increase the distance even?

Around mile 14 I started to slow down a little, I thought nothing of this, I assumed another boost of energy would come.

Mile marker 20 came and I was ready to see the restaurant, and defiantly not another “beautiful rolling hill of PA”

Mile 21, I finally made it into E-Town, I had a surge of energy, it was time to race with traffic again, and I did just that!

Mile 22, a quick stop at a local bike store, picked up 2 energy packs for the way home, and a spare tube, you can never be too safe.

Mile 23, food is in sight, I’m feel good, still thinking this was a great idea.

After a great lunch, I made some changes in my homeward bound course due to some road construction (aka a bridge was out, kind of important even if you are on a bike)

Mile 26, out of E-town, starting to be a little tired, slowing down the pace

Mile 30, Sunny Burn Rd, Finally, “man I’m tired, my legs are starting to not feel as strong” starting to wonder how good of an idea this was.

Mile 31, “what’s that hissing sound, great a flat” So I sat in someone’s front yard watching tractors roll by as I patched my tube. I also put down my 1st energy packet.

Mile 31.5, “this is the dumbest idea I’ve ever had, what the heck was I thinking”

Mile 32, “what way was I suppose to turn again? Better yet what way is the fastest home, this is now officially getting old”

Mile 36, “dear God I’m about to die”

Mile 36.5, “*&(^% another hill!”

Mile 37, “I’m going so slow I’m about to fall over, I just can’t do another hill”

Mile 37.5, “maybe Pearl could pick me up out here”

Mile 38, “I finally know where I’m at again” a little energy returns

Mile 40, “the church sweet church” I’m taking a break, calling Pearl and maybe getting a ride out of here. No answer on her cell, crap that means I’m rolling again, better eat the second energy pack

Mile 41, “I can so do this”

Mile 42, “I so can’t do this”

Mile 45, “I’m so close, yet so far”

Mile 48, “I’m passing the Mall! Thank you Jesus! Home is insight”

Mile 49, “I’m too close to stop”

Mile 49.5, a burst of energy, I’m almost at 50!!!

Mile 50, “Thank you God! I’m can’t believe this, oh wait I’m still not home”

Mile 51, a big boast of energy, a little tailgating, oh so much fun

Mile 51.19 HOME SWEEET HOME, ok now I’m officially died!

I’m super excited to be able to say I’ve ridden a half century, although I will say that it was one of the hardest things I’ve done in a long time. As you just read miles 33-39 where just miserable mentally and physically, as was the finally 5 miles home.

But it’s over now and I can say that I’m glad I did it!

Here’s the finally numbers from the ride.
Average speed – 14.8
Fastest speed – 37.6
Time on bike – 3:26:16
Totally distance – 51.19 miles

Here’s something interesting just to put this in perspective (and to brag a little):

For my southern friends: If you where to get on 985 in Gainesville (exit 20? The one with the QT) and drive south, in 50 miles you would in sitting in the varsity looking at Georgia tech

For my northern friends: Once you get on 222, Reading is only roughly 28 miles away Or From Barnes and Nobles on Fruitville, if you took 30 East, in 50 miles you would be at King of Prussia