Today was Sunday, and as such it was time for a SUNDAY CLUB RIDE! The local cycling club - Ajax - puts on Club rides every Sunday for varying skill levels. One of Ajax's own - Elinor Barker, just won Gold at the UCI Track World Championships.
Here is Elinor Barker with Ajax Kit
(Elinor Barker in Ajax Kit)
But today I did a ride that was not for Elinor Barker. It was mostly flat and 60 miles and was the "steady group" which is the "slow group" but longer than the "steady steady" group which does 30 miles.
I haven't bene on a long ride since before Christmas and was very nervous to start. For Christmas my housemate got me a cycling stem bag for holding snacks:
Like a true athlete I filled it with Jelly Babies
Hypothetically I can now eat jelly babies while cycling for added fuel. I tried to eat while riding today but it's not very pleasant, and I like eating so much that eating unpleasantly feels defeatist to me.
I was feeling good until the "cake stop" which was after 35 miles at the Chepstow Garden Centre. I had a snickers and about a litre of water and when we got back on the bikes 20 minute later I felt like my legs had hit a wall. The last 25 miles were hard - there were good bits but I was often off the back and couldn't seem to get my desired middle-pack position back. About 15 miles out I contemplated giving up, but the group was nice and the leaders were taking care of people me so I couldn't just sneak away quietly. Also I was still 15 miles from home, so where would I go?
I did make it home at last, and in an attempt to not fall asleep immediately I ate a powerbar recovery bar
And then I had a grilled cheese sandwich with a fried egg. And went to Marks and Spencers to do some fancy shopping with my £15 gift card from Living Social. And then I came home, and sat in my room, and did nothing.
Cycling takes it out of me - I'm useless after a Sunday ride. But being able to ride 60 miles is not to shabby, so let's hope the legs work tomorrow!
Strava from today:
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