Beat Up by the Hills

Today's ride was a shocker! We had a mixed group of newbies, intermediate and hammerhead bikers. Our route options were 21, 37, 46 and 60 something. Based on yesterday's performance, I was planning on the 37, but ready to take the 21 if necessary. Tony wanted to do the 42 mile route (which was actually 46) and everyone was sticking to Tony. I decided I would go as far as I was comfortable and stop and wait for Pete to return with the truck, if necessary. Besides, it'd be some new scenery from the bike. I kept up with the group up Leroy Scheel and felt good all the way up Persimmon Hill.

At Spring Branch Rd, everyone turned left and so did I. Apparently this is where Pete thought I was nuts, but said nothing. I started to wonder myself part way in, but decided if Bob (from Holt Cat) at the age of 55 and 20 pounds heavier than me could do it, so could I. I was surprised that my hip didn't hurt and the group waited for me and Bob in some shade part way in. As we rode past the neighborhood of our property I slowed down over the low water crossing. I knew it was a bit of a blind hill, but didn't remember how blind, or how much up you went after the crossing. I fell off the group here and just kept on going. As I went through downtown Spring Branch where the speed limit is 20mph, I saw a cop car going the other way. Perfect! The group waited for me at the next intersection and as I pulled up I announced, "Sorry, there was a cop, so I had to slow down in the speed limit zone." For those listening it was a perfect line and I got a couple of high fives. Then we were off again.

It wasn't until we made a left turn across highway 281 and turned onto 311 that I wondered what I was thinking. The hills were never ending, the road surface was a challenge, and the sun was getting hotter! I learned how to get angry at hills and just get to the top. Lloyd hung behind me for a bit and was good at knowing when to chat, and when to cheer and when to just silently pedal. He pointed out I was coasting at one point, and I knew I needed a break. I told him that my coasting wasn't good, I was probably getting tired. He went ahead to check on Bob and I found some shade for a quick stretch.

Further ahead, I caught up to Bob and Pete having a shade break and I was ready for another myself. Within a very brief distance, I finally said I had no energy to continue climbing these hills, and push through the pain and sent Pete, Bob and Tony ahead with promises to make my way until Pete doubled back with the truck. Not too much further, the three guys stopped in some shade. Bob and Tony were out of water and getting tired. I caught up with them and we took a detour on 46 where we found a Valero within two miles. After resting in the cool air and getting fresh beverages, we all felt better, but then we headed out and had two more doozies of hills in just two miles before getting to 281.

It was there that I remembered a Starbucks in Bulverde. As we waited for the red light, I announced that I was stopping at Starbucks and Pete could pick me up there. Bob decided to join me, but Tony was determined to truck on. We enjoyed some cold drinks and I had a cup of fruit while we sat in the shade on their patio and enjoyed a faint breeze. An hour later, Bob and I were getting worried and Lloyd pulled up in one of the Bike MS Tundras. Apparently, Lloyd had finished and decided to double back on the route. When he found Tony and Pete, they sent Lloyd to us for the retrieval.

The hills really pushed us and slowed us down so much that the ride took a long time, so the sun got higher and the heat came out. I climbed a total of 1700 feet today (in 32 miles.) Day one of Bike to the Beach is 2700 feet of climbing (in 95 miles.) Despite all that, it was a neat ride and I'd sure enjoy it in cooler weather. It was just after 1:30 by the time we were all loaded in our own vehicles and leaving Bullis Park!

Goals
Today's Miles: 31.8
Total Miles Achieved: 641.2
Financial Investment: $1781.14
Total Weight Loss: -2.8