Why it's wise to follow your docs orders.....
Because after an injury, and lots of physical therapy- this past week I rode my bike from San Francisco to L.A.!!!!!! YEAH BABY!!!
I did it! I rode my bike 545 miles in 7 days. It was one of the most amazing experiences in my life. I rode every single inch of the route and though I'm tired, I feel more alive than ever.
Two years ago I could barely roll over in bed, and now I've achieved something that I am so grateful for. So much so, that I've signed up to do it again next year!!!
Quick Rundown:
Day 1... 83 miles and loads of climbing, headwinds and looming clouds. It was a tough day for everyone, but at least it didn't rain on us....well until that night when it poured on our tents (we camp each night and have to set up all our own gear).
Day 2....107 miles, and though it was flatter, it was a long day, but I had a few firsts; using my aerobars for an extended time, going 30+mph on the flats thanks to amazing tailwinds, getting a 17mph avg on a ride longer than 80miles, and almost getting blown over when we turned and those crosswinds came howling after me!
Day 3....67 miles, this was just plain fun, sure there was climbing and it was finally warming up, but I enjoyed each of the themed rest stops, and dilly dallied for the first time on a ride, but was quick enough to still finish early.
Day 4....98miles, started out with some good climbing, and then rollers for the day. This day was about the climb called "The Evil Twins" and it was the halfway to LA portion in the morning. It was foggy and cold all day long, but getting out to the ocean was still pretty spectacular.
Day 5.... 40miles, so short, but man did they pack climbing into this day. It was just mountain after hill after climb! But it was also "Red-Dress-Day, where most everyone wore red dresses and it was the most hilarious sight on the planet!
Day 6....88miles, the best downhill I've ever been on, Gaviota pass, where I reached a top speed of 46.9mph!!! I was another beautiful day- though overcast, and windy - being near the ocean and stopping at unofficial stops for things like Cinnamon Rolls made it worthwhile!
Day 7, 63miles, the final day, was all along the ocean, and thankfully rollers all day long, only one little climb at the end, but lots of places to stop and take pics and we did!
Every day I got up before 4am, as I had trouble sleeping, but I didn't get on the road until 7am, camp is pretty sprawling! But I made it in each day with the first 300 riders, which was great, because in a field of 2300+ riders, you don't wanna be stuck with the pack! I didn't have to wait in hardly any lines and got to meet so many wonderful people, and see such beautiful countryside that we have in CA that I never knew about.
If you like bike riding at all- you can do this. I trained hard for 6months and I was so ready for the ride. Can't wait to start training again!!
:Danni
I did it! I rode my bike 545 miles in 7 days. It was one of the most amazing experiences in my life. I rode every single inch of the route and though I'm tired, I feel more alive than ever.
Two years ago I could barely roll over in bed, and now I've achieved something that I am so grateful for. So much so, that I've signed up to do it again next year!!!
Quick Rundown:
Day 1... 83 miles and loads of climbing, headwinds and looming clouds. It was a tough day for everyone, but at least it didn't rain on us....well until that night when it poured on our tents (we camp each night and have to set up all our own gear).
Day 2....107 miles, and though it was flatter, it was a long day, but I had a few firsts; using my aerobars for an extended time, going 30+mph on the flats thanks to amazing tailwinds, getting a 17mph avg on a ride longer than 80miles, and almost getting blown over when we turned and those crosswinds came howling after me!
Day 3....67 miles, this was just plain fun, sure there was climbing and it was finally warming up, but I enjoyed each of the themed rest stops, and dilly dallied for the first time on a ride, but was quick enough to still finish early.
Day 4....98miles, started out with some good climbing, and then rollers for the day. This day was about the climb called "The Evil Twins" and it was the halfway to LA portion in the morning. It was foggy and cold all day long, but getting out to the ocean was still pretty spectacular.
Day 5.... 40miles, so short, but man did they pack climbing into this day. It was just mountain after hill after climb! But it was also "Red-Dress-Day, where most everyone wore red dresses and it was the most hilarious sight on the planet!
Day 6....88miles, the best downhill I've ever been on, Gaviota pass, where I reached a top speed of 46.9mph!!! I was another beautiful day- though overcast, and windy - being near the ocean and stopping at unofficial stops for things like Cinnamon Rolls made it worthwhile!
Day 7, 63miles, the final day, was all along the ocean, and thankfully rollers all day long, only one little climb at the end, but lots of places to stop and take pics and we did!
Every day I got up before 4am, as I had trouble sleeping, but I didn't get on the road until 7am, camp is pretty sprawling! But I made it in each day with the first 300 riders, which was great, because in a field of 2300+ riders, you don't wanna be stuck with the pack! I didn't have to wait in hardly any lines and got to meet so many wonderful people, and see such beautiful countryside that we have in CA that I never knew about.
If you like bike riding at all- you can do this. I trained hard for 6months and I was so ready for the ride. Can't wait to start training again!!
:Danni
:Danni >>>AIDS/LifeCycle 10 & 11 Finisher: 545miles on the bike in 7 days <<<
HW390/SW340/CW 208/GW170
Thanks Darrell, it was totally awesome!
:Danni >>>AIDS/LifeCycle 10 & 11 Finisher: 545miles on the bike in 7 days <<<
HW390/SW340/CW 208/GW170
Spectacular!!! I am so proud for you. What an inspiration, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE that picture of you holding your bike half way to LA! What an amazing trip.
We so definitely have to have lunch one of these days.
Jan
We so definitely have to have lunch one of these days.
Jan
Bay to Breakers 12K May 15, 2011 (1:54:40) First 5K 5/23/11 (41:22)
Half Marathons: Napa: 7/18/10 (4:11:21) 7/17/11 (3:30:58) 7/15/12 (3:13:11.5)
SJ Rock and Roll: 10/2/10 (3:58:22) Run Surf City: 2/6/11 (3:19:54)
Diva: 5/6/12 (3:35:00)
HW/SW/CW 349/326/176
"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds." - Albert Einstein
Half Marathons: Napa: 7/18/10 (4:11:21) 7/17/11 (3:30:58) 7/15/12 (3:13:11.5)
SJ Rock and Roll: 10/2/10 (3:58:22) Run Surf City: 2/6/11 (3:19:54)
Diva: 5/6/12 (3:35:00)
HW/SW/CW 349/326/176
"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds." - Albert Einstein
Thanks Jan...how bout a bike lunch??? ;)
:Danni >>>AIDS/LifeCycle 10 & 11 Finisher: 545miles on the bike in 7 days <<<
HW390/SW340/CW 208/GW170
Maybe a hike? I still don't own a bike.
Did the Sawyer Camp Trail on Sat. It's beautiful! Have you done it?
Jan
Did the Sawyer Camp Trail on Sat. It's beautiful! Have you done it?
Jan
Bay to Breakers 12K May 15, 2011 (1:54:40) First 5K 5/23/11 (41:22)
Half Marathons: Napa: 7/18/10 (4:11:21) 7/17/11 (3:30:58) 7/15/12 (3:13:11.5)
SJ Rock and Roll: 10/2/10 (3:58:22) Run Surf City: 2/6/11 (3:19:54)
Diva: 5/6/12 (3:35:00)
HW/SW/CW 349/326/176
"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds." - Albert Einstein
Half Marathons: Napa: 7/18/10 (4:11:21) 7/17/11 (3:30:58) 7/15/12 (3:13:11.5)
SJ Rock and Roll: 10/2/10 (3:58:22) Run Surf City: 2/6/11 (3:19:54)
Diva: 5/6/12 (3:35:00)
HW/SW/CW 349/326/176
"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds." - Albert Einstein
Thanks Scott, can't wait to give back on the bike!
:Danni >>>AIDS/LifeCycle 10 & 11 Finisher: 545miles on the bike in 7 days <<<
HW390/SW340/CW 208/GW170
What event is it Roy? I'm sure you'll do great, and hope that it's an amazing experience!
:Danni >>>AIDS/LifeCycle 10 & 11 Finisher: 545miles on the bike in 7 days <<<
HW390/SW340/CW 208/GW170
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