... And So It Begins

     Oofdah!  Today I FINALLY did my first of many training rides.  Let's just say I got my ass handed to me in a pretty Easter basket.  My voice was cruddy from having to sing everyday except Tuesday last week for Holy Week at church, so I figured, "Hey, why not skip my vocal coaching and, instead, kick my tush into gear and train--it's going to be hot & sunny when I ride, so I better do it!"  I left my apartment around 9:45 and got to school around 12:50ish.  Man, oh man, was it a trek.
     I chose to go out of town on Fells Road, a relatively windy and studded with tough hills area.  What's better than training for mountains than riding on roads with really steep hills and curves?  Nada.  I did about 27-30 miles, in the BLAZING sun.  I even have beautiful new tan lines to prove it.  I wore my backpack, which had H2O, a grapefruit, and some almonds in it (along with tools in case anything went awry).  I went about 10 miles and stopped at a little gas station and got a VitaWater thingy, just because I knew I was losing more than water in my sweat, and I grabbed a cheap trail mix to supplement my almonds.  After a little break, I was back on the road.  Then, the big hill came...
     This is no ordinary hill.  Right after a road called Seminary Ave. is a HUGE, curvy and steep climb.  And, of course, there was a red stop light right before it, so I didn't get to use my momentum to help me get up it.  I had to stop 3 times on the way up because 1) I'm out of shape, 2) It was FRIGGING hot, 3) It's steep and curves.  I made it, eventually, to the top, and then just went slowly until I regained my breath & composure.  Sweat (I'm already a chronic sweater to BEGIN with) was pouring down me.  My backpack had sweat spots if that gives you any idea...  85 degrees, noon, and lack of physical fitness equates to a long, sweaty, trying ride.
     It took me about 3 hours for 30 miles (10 mph), which is what I anticipate I'll be doing when going through the mountains when I'm fully loaded (and in [better] shape from training).  My gear will be around 25-30 lbs tops, with my tent, sleeping mat, water/food, and extra pair of shoes being the heaviest things.  My tent is around 4 lbs, water and/or food, well that depends on how much I'm carrying, shoes are probably 2-3 lbs, and my mat is around 2 lbs.  Most of my clothes will be spandex or cotton, so they'll be light enough--5 lbs maybe.  After that, I've got a light propane burner, foldable stove, (need to buy) multi receptacle to cook food in, clothes/towel, fleece blanket, tools/spare parts and maps.  Then, there's my GD lock, which is HEAVY, but I'd much rather use a U-lock than a cable considering my Peugot was almost stolen when someone snipped the cable this winter.  A little weight for an extreme increase in security while cycling 900 miles is worth it in my book.
     One thing I didn't think about was eye protection.  When buzzing down the hills I had to squint because of debris--not the smartest thing because who knows (especially around a curve) what's going to be there.  Sticks, dirt, a rock, an animal, a retarded motorist--they all could be lurking ahead, so your eyes need to be OPEN.  That being said, clear & tinted eye wear are on the list of "To Get" things.

So much more work is to be done.