Bike Time

Bike time tomorrow.

I think I have mentioned once or twice that I have a long ride coming up for work. Well not for work really, although that would be cool, organised by guys at work would be more accurate. Anyway, point being there is a ride, it is 100 miles long and it happens to be on this Friday.

In preparation for this ride I have been trying to spend a bit more time on my bike. Over the last few months I have been managing to ride once or twice a week, however, these rides have been fairly short, mostly around 40km. Not really enough to cut it. The 100 mile ride is done pretty slowly and in a group, but all the same 40km/week probably wasn't going to be good preparation. With that in mind I went out and did 100km last weekend. Probably fair to say it was a little bit painful.

I am reassuring myself that while my 100km ride hurt a smidge it was done solo, at a higher average speed and over a hilly course in comparison to the 100 mile ride and so I should be good for the extra distance. I tell myself that, but I am not entirely sure I believe it. With that in mind I thought it might not be a bad idea to head out tomorrow and try and cram in a few more miles. Nothing like leaving it to the last minute.

The plan for the ride tomorrow is to try and creep a bit over 100km, probably aim for 110km or so. To make life a bit easier I am planning on taking a fairly dull, but flat course. Straight down the cycleway that follows one of our Freeways, 55km south and then turn around and then the same again home again. It is a stretch of path where I have spent many, many hours over the years, it also happens to be the route that the 100 mile ride follows.

I might also plan to ride a bit slower than last week. My hope is that the reduced speed and the easier route will mean that I make it home in slightly more pristine condition than last week. Fingers crossed.

Assuming tomorrow goes well then I think I will be starting to feel a bit more comfortable about the 100 mile ride on Friday. The 100 miler is still going to be a bit unpleasant I suspect, but if I can go out and have some fun then I will definitely be calling it a success.