Lake Tahoe 100 miles
Pain.
It's all I know.
It's what I'm focusing on.
Consistant.
Throbbing.
Stinging.
Sharp.
Pain.
Gears need to be changed.
My fingers can not function without perhaps breaking off.
Frozen are my fingers.
A numbing sensation of pure pain keeps me moving forward.
“Pedal faster!”
“Push harder!” is my current mantra.
A mere 5 miles into Lakes Tahoes “The Most Beautiful Bike Ride”.
95 more miles.
“You can do this!” I tell myself.
Shooting pain draws me back to reality.
The scenery is absolutely breath taking yet all I can think of are my fingers.
Just two days before, the bike I currently sat upon, was smashed between two cars in a collision on the freeway. Thankfully nobody was hurt, the damage, however, was shown on both the bikes that were strapped to my fathers bike rack.
Its quite astonishing how fast one can fix a completely unrideable bike, with the right parts and the right hands- it took a quarter of an hour and both were ready to go.
Nothing was stopping me from completely my first century ride.
15 miles in... I am starting to switch gears with more ease- I CAN FEEL MY FINGERS.
After the first switchbacks which were pretty intense but not long.
I pedal, I push, I move upwards and onwards.
At least until I'm pedaling in place- not going anywhere.
My chain has fallen off the bracket. Yippe.
Its greasy, it's dirty, its just not wanted to go back on.
After several purple people show concern and ask if I need assistance- I'm off again.
A consistent clicking noise pertrudes from the bracket with each foot turn.
And again, I'm moving in place.
My chain is not my friend today.
Thankfully its downhill till the first aid station.
This might be one of the most beautiful scenery I've ever seen.
At least top 5.
Coasting and enjoying the view was what I needed to get into the right mindset.
Beauty surrounded me, and I'm here to enjoy every last second.
Rolling into the first rest stop, I am surrounded by purple people from all over the country.
Groups scattered around, toys representing their city, and a big TNT jersey that screams ultra BAMFS. My people.
Whilst getting my chain fixed, the volunteer notified me that part of the bracket had been completely twisted another direction and was the cause of my malfunctions.
Approximately half an hour later and a re adjusted bike, I'm off.
Don't stop- keep going.
The rest of the 85 miles was eventful to say the least. My chain malfunctioned another four times but my spirits were high. The amount of purple people offering their aid to not only me but others that were in need of assistance, purple TNTer or not. The overwhelming amount of support from every participant made this bike ride not only beautiful but extremely enjoyable.
I know what your thinking.
100 miles, fun?
Well, yeah! It's the challenge that makes it fun. With the right amount of training and incorporating healthy habits into your daily lifestyle, the ride is- yes still difficult, but the fun part is meeting that challenge. Accomplishing something a mere 10% of the population has yet to meet.
This was fun.
Not just the ride but the overall experience...
(Discluding the first two hours of our trip)
But being able to spend time with my dad. Yes, he lives a mere 22 miles away from me, but a visit every two weeks does not suffice.
THis was a constant Dad and me time. He may have not ridden the 100 miles with me like we planned- but he was there the whole time- cheering me on.
I also enjoyed spending time with my uncle. He could possibly be my ultimate favorite uncle on my moms side ;)
Unfortunately we could go years without seeing eachother but when I do get to spend time with him, it's as though years have never passed. I was overwhelmed with happiness to be able to share this experience with him.
He too is fundraising and training with TNT!
HEY! What can I say? It runs in the family!
Overall.
The name says it all. "The most beautiful bike ride"
That's what it was, that's how I felt it to be.
I look forward to my next centurie ride- and hope that it'll be with my dad and uncle!
Till next time,
Peace, love and happiness
**Postscript**
I may have completed this race on my own, however, I would have never gotten there without the love and support of my father. Without him- my love for the sport would not be the same. <3
It's all I know.
It's what I'm focusing on.
Consistant.
Throbbing.
Stinging.
Sharp.
Pain.
Gears need to be changed.
My fingers can not function without perhaps breaking off.
Frozen are my fingers.
A numbing sensation of pure pain keeps me moving forward.
“Pedal faster!”
“Push harder!” is my current mantra.
A mere 5 miles into Lakes Tahoes “The Most Beautiful Bike Ride”.
95 more miles.
“You can do this!” I tell myself.
Shooting pain draws me back to reality.
The scenery is absolutely breath taking yet all I can think of are my fingers.
Just two days before, the bike I currently sat upon, was smashed between two cars in a collision on the freeway. Thankfully nobody was hurt, the damage, however, was shown on both the bikes that were strapped to my fathers bike rack.
Its quite astonishing how fast one can fix a completely unrideable bike, with the right parts and the right hands- it took a quarter of an hour and both were ready to go.
Nothing was stopping me from completely my first century ride.
15 miles in... I am starting to switch gears with more ease- I CAN FEEL MY FINGERS.
After the first switchbacks which were pretty intense but not long.
I pedal, I push, I move upwards and onwards.
At least until I'm pedaling in place- not going anywhere.
My chain has fallen off the bracket. Yippe.
Its greasy, it's dirty, its just not wanted to go back on.
After several purple people show concern and ask if I need assistance- I'm off again.
A consistent clicking noise pertrudes from the bracket with each foot turn.
And again, I'm moving in place.
My chain is not my friend today.
Thankfully its downhill till the first aid station.
This might be one of the most beautiful scenery I've ever seen.
At least top 5.
Coasting and enjoying the view was what I needed to get into the right mindset.
Beauty surrounded me, and I'm here to enjoy every last second.
Rolling into the first rest stop, I am surrounded by purple people from all over the country.
Groups scattered around, toys representing their city, and a big TNT jersey that screams ultra BAMFS. My people.
Whilst getting my chain fixed, the volunteer notified me that part of the bracket had been completely twisted another direction and was the cause of my malfunctions.
Approximately half an hour later and a re adjusted bike, I'm off.
Don't stop- keep going.
The rest of the 85 miles was eventful to say the least. My chain malfunctioned another four times but my spirits were high. The amount of purple people offering their aid to not only me but others that were in need of assistance, purple TNTer or not. The overwhelming amount of support from every participant made this bike ride not only beautiful but extremely enjoyable.
I know what your thinking.
100 miles, fun?
Well, yeah! It's the challenge that makes it fun. With the right amount of training and incorporating healthy habits into your daily lifestyle, the ride is- yes still difficult, but the fun part is meeting that challenge. Accomplishing something a mere 10% of the population has yet to meet.
This was fun.
Not just the ride but the overall experience...
(Discluding the first two hours of our trip)
But being able to spend time with my dad. Yes, he lives a mere 22 miles away from me, but a visit every two weeks does not suffice.
THis was a constant Dad and me time. He may have not ridden the 100 miles with me like we planned- but he was there the whole time- cheering me on.
I also enjoyed spending time with my uncle. He could possibly be my ultimate favorite uncle on my moms side ;)
Unfortunately we could go years without seeing eachother but when I do get to spend time with him, it's as though years have never passed. I was overwhelmed with happiness to be able to share this experience with him.
He too is fundraising and training with TNT!
HEY! What can I say? It runs in the family!
Overall.
The name says it all. "The most beautiful bike ride"
That's what it was, that's how I felt it to be.
I look forward to my next centurie ride- and hope that it'll be with my dad and uncle!
Till next time,
Peace, love and happiness
**Postscript**
I may have completed this race on my own, however, I would have never gotten there without the love and support of my father. Without him- my love for the sport would not be the same. <3