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02-18-03, 06:32 PM
As I mentioned in another thread, my plan for a while was to attempt a century on my birthday (2/21). Unfortunately, my boss scheduled one of those $1400 consultant types to be in the office that day so I did my ride today.
Here are a few lessons learned:
Weathermen lie. They hate cyclists and try to fool us with promises of "light" winds, sun, and "highs in the 50s"
No matter how good a saddle you have, your butt will eventually hurt.
There is no such thing as a flat century, unless you do it in your driveway. Also, it is possible for a road to be uphill both ways.
Continental Ultra 3000 tires will wear out on the rear wheel if you don't rotate them at exactly 2766 miles. This is particulalrly true if you "forget" to inspect the tires for a couple of months.
Learning how to make a boot, change a flat, operate a CO2 pump are all things you should do in your driveway, not at mile 90 on a century attempt.
You have no business riding for 4.5 months without learning how to properly do the tasks mentioned above.
By the time I hitched a ride home, drove to the LBS, and replaced the tire it was time to feed my parrots (all 34 of them). I didn't finish my birthday century. Still, I'm trying to be positive. Last year on my birtday, I weighed 283 lbs, had high blood pressure and cholesterol. Today I weigh 200, am at 120/69, and have a cholesterol total of 159. Oh yeah, I also have a 4.5 month old Cannondale with 2766 miles...and a new rear tire.
Here are a few lessons learned:
Weathermen lie. They hate cyclists and try to fool us with promises of "light" winds, sun, and "highs in the 50s"
No matter how good a saddle you have, your butt will eventually hurt.
There is no such thing as a flat century, unless you do it in your driveway. Also, it is possible for a road to be uphill both ways.
Continental Ultra 3000 tires will wear out on the rear wheel if you don't rotate them at exactly 2766 miles. This is particulalrly true if you "forget" to inspect the tires for a couple of months.
Learning how to make a boot, change a flat, operate a CO2 pump are all things you should do in your driveway, not at mile 90 on a century attempt.
You have no business riding for 4.5 months without learning how to properly do the tasks mentioned above.
By the time I hitched a ride home, drove to the LBS, and replaced the tire it was time to feed my parrots (all 34 of them). I didn't finish my birthday century. Still, I'm trying to be positive. Last year on my birtday, I weighed 283 lbs, had high blood pressure and cholesterol. Today I weigh 200, am at 120/69, and have a cholesterol total of 159. Oh yeah, I also have a 4.5 month old Cannondale with 2766 miles...and a new rear tire.