Another item checked of the life list. Techniqually this wasn’t on my life list, but it should have been. This was an amazing ride. BP did a great job at supporting this event.
I really never got into training for this event. I kept putting it off, finding other things to do and before I knew it the ride was here. Wow, how time flies. I hadn’t riden my road bike since the Wurstride in October, 6 months prior and probably had been a while before that ride. So to say the least I was a little worried about the long distance (in my mind) up hill ride. Before the MS150 the longest ride I had ever done was 40miles for the Tour de Houston and that was probably 2 or 3 years ago. Other then that its been 10-12 miles rides here and there. I really thought I would check out mentally long before this ride was going to be over.
Event day had come upon us and no turning back now. My family, friends and co-workers had sponsored me and I couldn’t let them down. They gave me their hard earn money so I could make the minimum donation to be able to this event.
We meet our group out in Katy and we sattled up and headed West. It was drizzling on us, but nothing to bad. There was never a moment along this ride when you are alone. There was at minimum no less than 75 other riders around me at all times. We took off and I never saw most of my team again. They are much faster than me. Karla and I rode together for the most part we would separate during the ride and catch back up and check in with eachother at the break points. These breakpoints every 6-14 miles were a saver for me on this ride. When I was over sitting on this saddle and just pedaling away for and hour or so, it wasjust the need break to get off the saddle and wiggle my toes and get some gatorade and maybe a snack of some sorts. The volunteers that work all the breakpoints were great. They were passing cutting pouring and surving all day long and they did amazing at always being prepared.
Camping – have to say not my favorite part of the trip. It rained all night and then the tent started leaking, I was worried by my clothes getting wet that I needed to wear the next day. JP was snoring in the tent next to me and you would have thought he was in our tent he was so loud.
Day 2 – getting back on that saddle for the first time was not fun. Getting the day started, I was having a mental rough time. My ass hurt and I didn’t sleep well and it was drizzling on us. Not a happy camper (haha). But as the day moved on, you get in the grove just start your pedaling and always looking for the next breakpoint and soon enough you are at the finish in Austin.
I never thought I would do this ride, but super glad my company sponsored a team and that I joined. It was a great experience.
