Going the Distance

07.21.2010

pedal power

Yesterday, a group of friends invited me to join them on a 55km bike ride along the Galloping Goose Trail on Vancouver Island. I gave a non-committal answer, saying that I’d like to try it, that I might try it, but that I was concerned that my trusty-yet-ridiculously-slow grandma bike wouldn’t be able to make the trip. I think the bike can handle it, but I’m worried that I won’t be able to.

A ride like this is totally new to me. My daily commute is only something like 3.5 miles round trip (5 if I take the seawall home), and when you ride an upright bike like mine on such a short commute, you don’t exactly build up a lot of stamina. I rode 3/4 of the 26km Central Valley Greenway last year with a group of colleagues, and while that was fun, I begged off as soon as I heard the last 1/4 of the ride was mostly uphill.

Yet there’s something in me that is curious about this, that desperately wants to test the limits of my endurance. I read posts about bike excursions and female distance riders, and I start thinking how much fun it would be to be out and about with a group. I’ll be frankly honest and say in the last few years I’ve let my body and health go to hell, and I haven’t felt truly challenged in a very, very long time. I think I need to do something shocking, something unexpected in order to recommit myself to taking charge of my body and becoming stronger and healthier. A 55km ride feels like the wrong way to do this, but at the same time it feels so very, very right.

Am I crazy to do something like this? Can a person realistically prepare for a 55km ride in just over two weeks? If so, how should I prepare? What should I pack? Should I sit it out and join my friends next year instead?

Help!

  • Unjapark

    If you feel drawn to test your endurance, listen to that. But also be kind to yourself. If you could be ok with trying this and seeing how you do (with the possibility of not finishing), then great. But if you'd feel better trying a shorter distance first and working up to this longer one next year, then try that. Good luck to you whatever you decide! BTW: I did a marathon, but I worked up to it with a half marathon first. My goal was just to finish, and I trained for a few months (after being sedentary for most of my life). You can totally do this!!! If not now, soon. :)

  • Cecily Walker

    Wow – a marathon? That's something else! I still haven't decided whether I'm going to do the ride, although I'm leaning toward yes.

    Thanks for the comment!

  • http://letsgorideabike.com Dream Dottie

    I like that idea of challenging yourself. Sometimes it is thrilling to do something like that. I don't know enough about that kind of stuff to give advice about preparing in two weeks. Seems kinda quick. Maybe you could find an event scheduled for the end of the summer. I also fantasize about some real long rides, like a century. Having a drop bar racing bike would make it a lot easier, but I think it's more about the individual than about the bike. :) Keep us updated!

    p.s. Great shoes.

  • Cecily Walker

    It does seem kind of quick, and given the chronic tendinitis in my shoulders/hands that can be aggravated by spending a lot of time on my bike, I'm thinking that I may just have to sit it out this year. It makes me sad because I'm really looking to socialize more by bike.

  • Pingback: 66 Kilometers — cecily walker

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