As most of you know, I've been training for the Barry Roubaix Killer Gravel Road Race, which is in April 2018. Check it out here: http://barry-roubaix.com/
Last Sunday was my first attempt at completing the entire 22 mile course, which spans some of the most beautiful back roads in Barry County. The weather was perfect - a cool 50° and sunny. I left a short time after my other Dusty Dames (our Sunday bike gang), and it was a perfect set-up for my maiden voyage.The Roubaix course is NO JOKE. I feel like I walked as much as I rode, and the hills. My God, people, THE HILLS. The elevation gain on the 22-miler is over 1,200 feet (massive hills, in case you didn't know). There is one "hill" called The Wall, for God's sake.
At one point during the ride, the other Dusty Dames passed me by. I was lapped TWICE by two hot shots in jerseys and fancy bikes. The total course took me 2:48.01, which is forever... but I DID IT!! And you know what's cool? That's not the worst time ever. That's like... pretty OK! (Props to my Dames, who completed the course in under 2 hours - what an awesome accomplishment!)
I have a lot of work to do over the next several months. I need to get my cardio in shape, and get my stamina to a point where I can function on those hills. I've got a lot of weights to lift, and I need to get my shifting down to a science. But I literally have MONTHS to train. Literally, I have all winter to get into shape for the "largest gravel road race in the world."
In case you can't read into this post, I'll tell you flat out that I'm really proud of myself. A few months ago I would never have guessed I would be training for a killer race, let alone riding a bike. Not only am I doing both of those things, but I'm actually DOING them. I'm not great (not yet), but I have a lot of time to improve. Will I be on the podium in April, celebrating a first place finish? Not a chance. But will I be the fastest 40 - 45 year old woman from Venture Street in Hastings Charter Township?
YES I WILL!
