I don't want to hijack Wayner's double century thread, so here it goes.
I signed up for this:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31456094?fbclid=IwAR26Q1o1L7WwNTwsTfifZ1X-yXq4ap4gYIfJpWQg7sypKeNUm68KyzuPLX0
212 miles, 18,000 feet of climbing.
I've ridden a bunch. Century? No problemo. Double century? On gravel? - This is new territory.
First order of business: Choosing a bike (and a strategy)
What do I ride?
1.Pee Wee Herman's big green adventure machine:
Pro's/cons:
It's the coolest freaking thing in the universe, and if I ride it, I will be the coolest rider in the pack.
Very comfortable. Very slow. It can carry the kitchen sink, and it will need to... since it will make this a 3 day journey (and that's pushing it).
I rode it 60 miles yesterday, 6000 feet, at about 7mph ave over 7 hours of riding. This is long and heavy tour. The guy who wants to ride with me will be in this category. This bike would mean using campgrounds, sleeping on roots, and bringing my own wine. If this is a three day ride, I will need 2 bottles of wine, a way to transport them without the bottles breaking, and bringing all my own food, tents, sleeping bags, etc... This bike speaks to a slower happy pace, bob marley music, and sitting up, smiling, and enjoying the view.
Vs...
2.(I've never enjoyed the view....and hot showers rule... so....eff' it)
Gulf blue racing machine:
It's got the gulf blue, which adds several mph, and I can add some orange for even more speed.
Pro's / Con's- Pro's- This makes the course FAST. It drops 20 minutes off a nearby 4 mile 1700ft. climb compared to the pee wee herman bike. I won't be the coolest, but it will be fast. Fast speaks to my (biking) nature. I will be smiling because I will be kicking arse. It will make this race two days instead of three. It allows me to credit card tour by getting me to some bed and breakfast's at about 120 miles in on the first day travelling light (which means a good sleep). Credit cards are light. Hotels have "continental breakfast's" and such. Also- WARM SHOWERS!!
Cons- I've got to get 120 on day one to get to the B&B's to not pack gear and stay light. My racing companion will not be able to do this (and perhaps not me either!) , but in the end, most of these rides are solitary measures. It speaks to my competitive nature of self torment and suffering.
Both of these tormenting 1st world options will be discussed tomorrow night with some other riders over a beer after work. PPOT Input appreciated.
This thread also chimes into new year's weight loss programs and such. I will need to drop 15 lbs by this summer.
Either way, the gauntlet has been thrown. No turning back now!