One of my goals for 2012 is to ride in a century. A century is a 100 mile cycling ride.
The century that I have the most interest in is the Little Red Riding Hood ride that takes place yearly in Lewiston, Utah. This ride is popular, and generally fills up within hours after registration opens. It is a women's only event, and is celebrating its 25th year this year.
The event is fully supported, and loops through the scenic Cache Valley in northeastern Utah. It is mostly flat, with a couple of rolling hills, but no big climbs (which is important for me, since I am not sure how my knee would handle long, steep hills).
Unbeknownst to me, registration for the ride opened on February 1st, and sold out in a little over an hour. I was really disappointed. But, I had also read on their Facebook page that many women will try to sell their registrations as the event draws nearer because they realize they can't ride. So, I held onto some hope.
On March 26th, Austin sent me a link to KSL.com one day, which was a woman trying to sell her 100 mile registration for Little Red (because she is pregnant and unable to ride). I called her immediately, and sent her the money within a half an hour.
I am riding in the Little Red Century!! It is June 2, 2012, and I am so excited! I have been training hard for it since I realized I am actually riding in it, and have put about 150 miles on my bike since the season started. I have six weeks and five days and 650 miles to ride before the big day. Super exciting!!
I already feel like my cardiovascular fitness has increased, and I'm not really concerned about whether or not I'm "in shape" to ride. I am more concerned about how well my knee is going to hold up for a 100 mile ride. I am also concerned about my riding shoes, which tend to make my feet fall asleep after about 20 miles. I need to invest in some new shoes, but am not sure where to start looking.
I am also concerned about being in the saddle for that long, and getting saddle sore on my behind. Lastly, I worry about my wrists, since that also seems to be a point of pressure while riding.
I will be traveling and riding alone, but have a couple of friends that will be there, so I won't feel like such a newbie. I can't wait to accomplish this goal and am really looking forward to being able to say that I rode in a century!
2 comments:
Wahoo! I'm super excited for you. That's a beautiful part of Utah. I'm really looking forward to getting back into shape after my baby gets here. There's something exhilarating about competing with yourself and pushing your boundaries. You may not be able to walk afterwards, but I'm willing to bet you won't regret it! :)
Good for you, Julie! I know you have been working hard for this. I hope your knee and wrists hold out for you! I know I would be saddle sore after 1 mile so good luck with that too!!
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