As promised, I went to check out the Sunday Rose Bowl ride with a local triathlon club. I thought it was just loops around the bowl but we went to climb some local hills. We did this 3 times and the leader was so impressed with me. But to be honest, I wasn't really trying. Then we went back, changed shoes and ran a loop around the bowl. I've seen people running with these 'bare feet' shoes and I thought that my sneakers would do just fine. So wrong! After just 2min or so, my ankle was hurting. Each step down felt like my ankle and shin bones were going to shutter. But of course, I needed to finish the loop, so after 30min I was finally done. Not tired, but I did hurt my left knee and ankles.
The next ride with the club was the Montrose ride on Saturday. Wow, I've heard of the crazy fast cycling ride on every Saturday morning leaving from Montrose. And knowing my abilities, I knew that I'd get dropped for sure, it's just a matter of time. But it would be a good starting point and something to strive for. So I was pumped and eagerly waited. It soon occurred to me that the people who were going on the ride did not look particularly fit. Then upon reading the post further (I know, I never read the fine lines) we were doing the Tunjunga Canyon - 2 loop leaving from Montrose! Dammit! Anyway, riding with the group was nice, I didn't cycle too hard, may have put in about 80%. During the ride, I talked to the leader and told him that I used to organize rides but so few people show up and I really like the spirit of the people in this club. He suggested for me to lead rides for the club. Using the term 'lead' maybe misleading since 1. a leader is leading and is thus in front of the pack 2. a leader is skilled in what he is leading. You see how clearly I am none of the above, at least not yet :)
Last Saturday I rode to Seal Beach with the club, it was a 71miles ride - the longest I've done. This group was very fast, and so sadly I was the slowest. We rode on the bike path and there were a couple of technical sections including a short descent from a bridge that was so steep (perhaps 45o) that I was sure I was not going to make it, thankfully I did phew! We stopped at subway for some much needed rest and food and soon began our way back. Near the end of the ride, everywhere was hurting, from you know where, to my back, to my ankle, to my neck, pretty much everywhere except for my legs....the saddle pain was so much I thought I'd start crying. During the ride, the leader helped me so much, he stayed in front of me so I can draft behind him, made sure I had enough water and nutrition, bought me a cookie and constantly, and I mean constantly gave me positive reinforcement - I could certainly get used to this!! :)
