Over 100 riders of all levels --- A, B and C classes --- rolled out via police escort (!!!!!!) out to the neighborhood behind the store and on to Military Road.
It was awesome to roll through the streets of Arlington with cops posted at every intersection along the way holding traffic for you as the wave of cyclists cruised along. Yes, I did feel kinda fancy.
Our C class leader grouped us into two waves and we began our loop through the neighborhood. Thank goodness our leader warned us that at the bottom of the hill we should immediately drop to the easiest gear and get ready to climb.
HOLY SHIT! As I rounded the corner I literally was faced with a WALL that was masquerading as a hill. I cranked away and as I got to the short plateau before the next ascent I thought I would go into cardiac arrest. IT WAS FLIPPING AWESOME! Nothing like your heart jumping out of your chest to remind yourself that you are alive.
We cruised around the neighborhood catching our breath and then began the Military Road loop --- which is a combo of incredibly fast-paced descents and challenging extended hill work. WOWZERS! We did this loop twice.
The descents were like a roller coaster ride. At one point I literally zoomed by a speed indicator set up to notify cars of their speed and was jazzed to see my speed posted.
As you cruised the loop, the much better riders would swarm you and all you could be is incredibly impressed and at the same time immediately decide never to eat again.
At one point as I was climbing an extended hill I heard a buzzing noise. Suddenly a swarm of A class riders buzzed by at lightening speed. It was as if the climb was nothing to them. I literally felt like a pack of wolves left me in the dust. Incredible to see the experienced riders at work.
I think I learned a lot about myself tonight: (1) I LOVE THE SPEED of the descents even though it scares the crap out of me, (2) I really need to better master the gears and (3) I really need to build more power in my legs to keep cranking.
Luckily this time around in a group ride I didn't fall, didn't get a flat and didn't drop a chain. I did get screamed at by a fellow rider who thought I was coming to close on her tire without notifying my intention to pass. I apologized and clarified that there was no way in hell I was in any condition to pass and instead I was moving closer to the curb to get out of everyone's way as I moved to an easier gear to catch my breath. I'm all about safety, but this chick was wound a bit too tight.
I freaking loved this ride. Very challenging, but at the moment you think you might die it suddenly eases up and you have time to recover. Folks wait for you and make sure you are ok. There's also so many folks out there that it would be hard to get lost. As a newbie to the bike and this ride I was very appreciative.
After the ride we headed back to the store for BBQ, drinks and some socializing. All in all, this is a keeper.
I'm totally adding this to my weekly training log...forget the physical benefits and confidence building (which are definitely HUGE), it's great to see folks who are much better than you are doing their thing. All I can say is...WOW.
5 comments:
"Nothing like your heart jumping out of your chest to remind yourself that you are alive"
LOVE IT
Nice write-up! Me and the Cooper will be back for more ;)
Any ride that has 4 kegs, hamburgers and hot dogs at the end is worth while.
Way to go Snapplers!!
So bummed we didn't get there in time-traffic was CRAZY. We ended up riding on the W&OD instead but was SAD we weren't there with you guys, perhaps another night! *Amy
I marvel at your adventure in "sneakers" and I love how you tell it.
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