Today's ride was the first of the 2011 where humidity played a major factor. As the temperature rose toward mid-day, the high humidity became really draining. It made us wonder why when we had reached Hwy 173, the idea that given we were so close to Wisconsin compelled us to keep going before we turned back, so that we would get in our first ride of July to Wisconsin. At the time (I'm guessing about 9:45 am), it seemed like a good idea.
One of the goals of the ride was to get in some practice at a rotating pace line. Well, we got in some practice, but were still a bit on the rough side. The fact that we were able to hold together fairly well during an energetic sprint while in a single file line speaks to how much more practice we need if the group is going to master the rotating pace line.
Two of the riders that had to peel off early were Clay and Martin. Given that they are also the only two members of our group that have significant racing experience, it was assumed by all the rest of us that they probably had an energetic sprint or so on their ride home. Of course, neither one of them is very competitive.
Our mid ride stop for food and hydration was at a McDonalds. Once again, it seemed like a good idea at the time. However, 45 minutes of hard riding after deparing had some questioning our wisdom in refueling with McDonald breakfast meals.
As the heat rose to close to 90 degrees with the sun beating down on us on this humid day, we decided to make an extra stop in Lake Forest to ensure that we were all well hydrated and no one risked heat exhaustion. We all agreed that we should probably take it easy the rest of the way home.
Well, we are riding down the bunny trail (Skokie Valley Bikeway) and Martin and his friend Joe come roaring by us. Of course, Felix was not going to let that happen, and the next thing I knew, we are sprinting down the bunny trail at close to maximum speed hanging onto their back wheels. It was a rather swift ride down to the terminus of the bikeway at Lake Cook road. So much for taking it easy.
When I got home, I hopped on the scale and noticed that I had lost 5 pounds during the ride. It was one of those days when it was hard to stay hydrated. However, I think despite the challenging conditions, we all agreed it was a fun ride.
One of the goals of the ride was to get in some practice at a rotating pace line. Well, we got in some practice, but were still a bit on the rough side. The fact that we were able to hold together fairly well during an energetic sprint while in a single file line speaks to how much more practice we need if the group is going to master the rotating pace line.
Two of the riders that had to peel off early were Clay and Martin. Given that they are also the only two members of our group that have significant racing experience, it was assumed by all the rest of us that they probably had an energetic sprint or so on their ride home. Of course, neither one of them is very competitive.
Our mid ride stop for food and hydration was at a McDonalds. Once again, it seemed like a good idea at the time. However, 45 minutes of hard riding after deparing had some questioning our wisdom in refueling with McDonald breakfast meals.
As the heat rose to close to 90 degrees with the sun beating down on us on this humid day, we decided to make an extra stop in Lake Forest to ensure that we were all well hydrated and no one risked heat exhaustion. We all agreed that we should probably take it easy the rest of the way home.
Well, we are riding down the bunny trail (Skokie Valley Bikeway) and Martin and his friend Joe come roaring by us. Of course, Felix was not going to let that happen, and the next thing I knew, we are sprinting down the bunny trail at close to maximum speed hanging onto their back wheels. It was a rather swift ride down to the terminus of the bikeway at Lake Cook road. So much for taking it easy.
When I got home, I hopped on the scale and noticed that I had lost 5 pounds during the ride. It was one of those days when it was hard to stay hydrated. However, I think despite the challenging conditions, we all agreed it was a fun ride.
It was a fun ride indeed!
ReplyDeleteI think we are ready for a 2 1/2 hour fifty miler. Did we sign up for the wrong ride?
ReplyDeleteWell, Clay was nice to me and kept a steady pace, bringing me to Waukegan road. Then we saw a station wagon with the hatch wide open with 5 or 6 guys drafting behind it, and I decided to join the fun. It took me some work to catch up because they were travelling over 30 mph when I caught up; I stayed with them until the station wagon turned off Waukegan and the group resumed their normal pace... It was an interesting experience.
ReplyDeleteNot sure what group that was but they wore yellow jerseys with a cursive "W" on the back. No blue on the jersey so it was not VQ. They were gracious enough to not give me dirty looks when I just invited myself to the bandwagon.
Martin
Martin
ReplyDeleteWhat was the pace of the station wagon?
It was around 30 mph pretty steadily most of the time, but we did stop at two traffic intersections.
ReplyDeleteGiven a large enough group of fast riders, I thinbk we can all hang in there at that speed for at least a while.