Originally Posted by chroot
I think I bonked on my most recent 82-mile training ride. Once I got on the ramp up to the bridge, I realized that it just had to be related to blood sugar. I plodded over the bridge at no more than 6 mph (I crossed it the other way at 17+), and became very preoccupied and paranoid about the people passing me. I felt like I couldn't react quickly enough, like I was out of control of where my bike was going. (And trust me, those crosswinds suck when you're barely moving at all.) I got across the bridge somehow, and promptly got lost returning to my car. (There are only two turns, and I had been there several times before.)
Definitely the bonk Warren. You were riding harder than your body could matabolize the food you put into it. Over time your body will get better and you'll get better estimating the speed you can ride and stay within your own capacity.
82 miles is pretty good distance and that's the point where I always start wishing the ride was over.
I assume you really hated the climb from Sausalito up to the bridge. I don't like that even under perfect conditions. Some jackass taxi driver hit me on that climb one time. Luckily it just threw my arm forward as he hit my elbow at speed. I was really glad I had my hands on the tops and not holding on. Whenever I can, I prefer to ride through Fort Baker and up the steep climb to the base of the bridge now though I do the Bridgeway climb when necessary.