Two 80 mile rides under my belt now and they could not have been more different.
The first was two Saturdays ago out in the East Bay. The route was a big loop starting in San Ramon, then out to Livermore, Sunol, Pleasanton. To say it was hot would be an understatement, I heard that the temperature out on the road reached 105 degrees. It was one of the most grueling physical challenges I had ever tackled. There were some tough climbs, Altamont Pass and Palomares Canyon. Palomares came about 70 miles in when I was already spent from being out in the sun for so long. About half way up the 5 mile climb, I had to stop and I broke down into uncontrollable tears. Part of it was from frustation and being tired. And the other part of it was from being so amazed at what I was accomplishing that day. Not too long I would have never imagined ever being capable of riding like that and so far, in those conditions. Just as I was having my breakdown, the SAG vehicle pulled up. As tired as I was and as tempting as it was, getting SAGged to the top was not an option. After getting that frustration out, I felt so much better and was able to steadily climb to the top. Speaking of SAG, there is no way the ride would have been possible without the incredible support out there that day. There was water and ice pretty much at every point that I needed it. And as always, plenty of awesome food at every SAG stop, even Otter Pops at one… so genius!
Yesterday’s ride was in Marin. The route went out on Lucas Valley Road to Pt Reyes, then Olema, Stinson Beach, Nicasio and back to Lucas Valley. It was overcast and cool for most of the ride, I definitely should have opted for kneewarmers. Talk about contrast, instead of needing ice, I needed hot coffee in Pt. Reyes Station to warm me up. Though thanks to the cool weather, I stayed strong and fast the entire time. I love riding in Marin, even in the fog, it is so breathtakingly beautiful. There are so many fun hills and rollers. The best part of yesterday’s ride was being able to ride the roads that we had trained on before and see the progress we have made. The first time I climbed up along the Nicasio Reservoir, I had to stop halfway… I seriously thought I was going die on that hill. Yesterday, Nicasio Reservor was a piece of cake, it was just a bump in the road.
But what I take from both rides is the same, I am amazed at how far I have come since starting this adventure back in February. I am so much stronger now and continue to surprise myself at just how strong I am. What I feared the most when I started the cycling, the hills (both up and down), have now become my favorite part. I love climbing up the hills, I think it’s now one of my strengths as a cyclist. I have to admit it is incredibly satisfying to pass people uphill. And not that it’s happened often, but I’m sure boys don’t like being passed by a girl in a skirt. 
And for the downhills, I started absolutely terrified. On our first ride, I rode the brakes and wouldn’t let myself go faster than 17 mph on the one tiny downhill on that ride. But at some point, I learned to let go of the fear and just go. Yesterday, I hit my new top speed of 37 mph and it was such a rush to go careening downhill. (Though don’t tell my mom that, especially after my brother tells me he just had a mountain bike crash.) I’m eager to go back to some of the hills we trained on earlier and see how I fare now… the Calavares Wall, the Three Bears… I don’t think I’ll be dizzy at the top of Papa Bear now.
So all the hard work is done, the longest training rides are behind us. In 2 weeks, I’ll be in Tahoe riding 100 miles in America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride with my amazing team. In February, I could have never imagined riding 100 miles. Even halfway through the season, it didn’t seem like a reality. But after these two 80 mile rides, I know I am ready. I can’t wait! And most importantly, I will ride in Tahoe to honor so many people who have been affected by blood cancers. A huge thank you for supporting me and donating funds to help patients and find a cure!
But the fundraising doesn’t end until there is cure! So please support me as I train for my first triathlon, the Triathlon at Pacific Grove. Visit my fundraising page at http://pages.teamintraining.org/sf/pactri09/frances. Thanks so much and GO TEAM!