El Tour De Phoenix 2010 Bike Event Timed Ride
I started riding about a year ago and set the goal to ride in this event at that time. It is a 72-mile route. I rode the route two times as training rides in recent weeks and had a good idea of what to expect. I did make a novice mistake in the actual race that I avoided in the Tour de Tucson which was a much longer 109-mile event. I did not get the proper hydration today and "bonked", lost my energy for the last 15 or so miles. That is when you have to revert to sheer willpower to keep your legs moving, especially when you are going uphill. I really knew what I could do it in as a rookie and this ride was sub-par as to what I think my abilities are. I was slower than my potential and still hit my goal almost square on at 3 hours 24 minutes. Average speed 21.1 mph. The winner finished in 2 hours 51 minutes. I rode well for the first 65 miles because I saw how many people passed me in the last 7 miles when I couldn't peddle after my legs cramped up along with my bonk. ...