Long-distance riding FTW
Did ~ 65 miles today on Wendy. Took her from home up to North Portland, got on Marine Pkwy, and cruised along it all the way out to Troutdale.
Average speed: 17 mph. w00t!
I've discovered that headwind can be a bitch. On the return trip, I was straining against a constant, 5-10mph wind force that drained the power right out of me.
I also discovered that drafting is a powerful technique. I played around with it a little when I was on the Portland Century, but this ride I really had a chance to see its full effectiveness. I managed to tag onto a duo of pro-looking cyclists cruising along at ~ 25 mph. Tucked into their slipstream, I found myself rocketing along the road with the greatest of ease. Now I understand why they do it so much in the Tour de France, and why it's such a big challenge to rally and catch up to a group after being dropped.
Connected with two guys on the return ride heading my way. I think that was my saving grace; I was really losing energy fast. But I managed to gather myself up and caught up to them after they passed me, then drafted for a solid half-hour. It gave me the necessary respite to make it the rest of the way home with decent speed.
Average speed: 17 mph. w00t!
I've discovered that headwind can be a bitch. On the return trip, I was straining against a constant, 5-10mph wind force that drained the power right out of me.
I also discovered that drafting is a powerful technique. I played around with it a little when I was on the Portland Century, but this ride I really had a chance to see its full effectiveness. I managed to tag onto a duo of pro-looking cyclists cruising along at ~ 25 mph. Tucked into their slipstream, I found myself rocketing along the road with the greatest of ease. Now I understand why they do it so much in the Tour de France, and why it's such a big challenge to rally and catch up to a group after being dropped.
Connected with two guys on the return ride heading my way. I think that was my saving grace; I was really losing energy fast. But I managed to gather myself up and caught up to them after they passed me, then drafted for a solid half-hour. It gave me the necessary respite to make it the rest of the way home with decent speed.