Chilly Hilly... 33 miles. That pales in comparison to the 200+ that we completed last year from Seattle to Portland. And it should certainly not pose a problem for an experienced team like us.
So then why is that the 23 mile training ride we just did prove to be otherwise?
Two words...Muscle Atrophy. The loss of muscle due to inactivity. And belive me dear reader, the better half of this team just became very familiar with the effects of those words.
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/28230414#climbs
Check the elevation charts on this ride and you'll see it certainly was no stroll through the park. Throw in the fact that we havent riden in 5 months and you'll see the reality we were in. Can I just throw in that a bike computer can be your worst enemy when you first start your training? There is nothing more discouraging than looking down at your speedometer and seeing single digits mid way through a 200ft climb... holy crap I could walk up this damned hill faster!
I'll tell you what though... we loved every minute of it. The fact that I can sit here, blog about how difficult it was and still be looking forward to the countless of hours (and hills) we have yet to ride should tell you all need to know about this sport. It's addicting. The constant rush of uncertainty followed by accomplishment is amazing.
The journey towards a Double Century has to start somewhere. This year ours started in Maple Valley. I'm just glad we all were there to rise to occasion. (That's What She Said)
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