K* can run a marathon – but can he bike a 100 miles? I came to Santa Fe to find out.
Signed up for my first Century less than a month ago. Thought that would inspire me to get out on the bike. I did get out on the bike – 3 times to be exact. LOL> Each time increasing distance & tweaking my ride with new accessories.
Ash & Tom dropped me at the Start (a local hospital – thankfully, no foreshadowing of things to come), helped me with my bib & wished me well. Followed a large group of cyclists trying not to venture too close, fearing I would clip someone 🙁
Lotta hills at an elevation of 7,000+. Found myself managing the incline – digging in, pacing myself. Going downhill – the part everyone likes – not my fave. Flying down mountain roads…found myself riding the brake, watching riders zip by.
26 miles in, first scheduled break in Madrid. Water, oranges, bananas, pretzels & toilets in a cool hippy town…reminded me of Nederland in Boulder County. Old miner cabins renovated into brightly-coloured, quirky store fronts. Nice vibe.
Next leg started with a 7 mile incline but finished easy, leading up to Heartbreak Hill. Joined the majority & walked the half mile UP, then enjoyed mile after mile of downhill to Cedar Grove. From there the terrain flattened, high desert sage & sand became the new norm & temps soared above 80. Not crazy hot, but didn’t feel acclimated – seeing snow only days ago in Colorado.
Stopped in Stanley & dumped water over my head & back. Sat down for a few minutes, ate some oranges, regrouped & headed for Galisteo. Soon after mile 75 (another downhill section) I got sick. Back in the saddle – only 8 miles left in this leg. At mile 80, same spewing of liquid. Not fun. Sat down, felt dizzy. Stood up, sick again.
And that’s how I ended my first Century – at mile 80, a few miles south of Galisteo on NM Highway 41.
Not a glamorous ending – a fail…but I did bike 80 miles on only my 4th time in the saddle. ALSO I learned so much from the experience. I need to train in summer heat (should happen in Colorado within a month). I need to find a way to pack real food – bready, carby foods – for my next long ride (maybe have someone meet me at a scheduled stop with a sub). I stayed well hydrated but oranges & bananas were not enough fuel.
Felt better after an hour sleep (& food at a truck stop near Clayton NM). Much faster turnaround than running a marathon — easier on the body. Many thanks Tom & Ash for driving (6 hours back to Boulder) – much appreciated!
Cyclists from near, far challenge themselves on 103-mile Century ride
mile 80 – end of my ride
Santa Fe Century
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