Sunday, September 27, 2009

Ride totals- The Komen Ride to Vegas

For those who like numbers:

I rode 513 miles in 6 days
Burned 21,542 calories
Rode in 116 degree temps in Death Valley
Climbed almost 50,000 feet
Descended at 48, 50 and 55mph on 3 separate descents
Did my fastest century, riding 100 miles in just over 4 hrs- avg speed 24.5
Rode gradients of 16 and 18%
Rode at 8000 feet and was still breathing comfortably
Descended 4200 ft out of Yosemite covering 13 miles (passing a pick-up and a motorcycle) at 55mph

Things I learned:

The tarantulas crossed the road to get to the other side
There are coyotes on Mt Hamilton
Wine doesn't help when you can't sleep
A negative attitude breeds negative results
I feel the need for speed
I like to descend more than I like to climb and I LOVE to climb
After 500 miles on a bike, the saddle is less than comfy
You can share a tent with someone you don't know and have fun
You can dehydrate despite drinking 24 ounces every 15 minutes
People you don't know one day can save your butt the next
You don't have to fall just because you crossed wheels at 25mph
Sometimes taking a huge leap will be the best thing you could ever do

Thanks for all of your support!