This has been a big week for cycling! Since Thursday, I have logged over 100 miles, ridden the 360 loop for the first time, and climbed Ladera Norte—the hill I mentioned a few posts back!
On Thursday, I rode with a group of seven teammates (Arvin, Jackie, Kelsey, Paul, Charlie, Kathryn, and Natasha) out to Shoal Creek and Far West. Ladera Norte was not my idea, but I wasn’t going to be the only one to not do it. After about 10 miles, we approached the top of the hill. But before we were able to fly down, hoping to gain some momentum for the climb up, Arvin warned us it was very important that we flutter our brakes for the entire downhill stretch. There is a very sharp turn at the bottom of the hill (not to mention cars coming around the corner) and it would have been easy to get going too fast to stop at the bottom. That meant we were at a dead stop before we started climbing the other side.
The hill was brutal! In .6 miles, we climbed over 360 feet. The incline rose to 24.5% at times. I had to stop twice before making it to the top—but that was the hardest part of all because the slope was so steep that it was hard to get started again without rolling backwards. That hill took the breath out of all of us, but the next time I try it I hope to only have to stop once or not at all.
On Friday morning, Daniel and I rode 360 with Charlie and Shilen. I was a little slow getting started, but we ended up finishing a tough 30 miles in 2.5 hrs and then we all went for Torchy’s Tacos afterwards! The views were incredible and we rode over the 360 bridge—an Austin landmark.
Saturday morning was the team’s 50-mile benchmark ride. We all made it in under the time requirement! Afterwards, I felt like I could have maybe done 20 more (totaling 70 miles: the team’s daily average over the summer), but NOT 50 more. Our century test isn't until April, so I have some time to build up to 100 miles. But this longer ride did help me to get an idea of what it will be like riding long distances daily. Next on my list: a women’s saddle and chapstick!
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