Festive 500km Challenge

 

This week all feels so surreal as I work toward completing the Festive 500 Rapha Challenge: - riding 500km between December 24th and December 31st. I say surreal because the rest of my life besides cycling has gone by in a bit of a blur and the singularity of focus is somewhat strange.

I have structured my days around my bike rides, despite the busy holiday week. I do love the simplicity. I prepare my bike, plan my route and pack up. I typically have been riding over 40 miles a day. There are some challenges in that the week started off with a snowstorm- I rode my bike through snow! It’s been cold- many days in the 20’s and 30’s. I have been getting a lot of use out of my 45NTH Wolvhammer boots and extreme weather bar mitts. 

I find I go through “waves” on each ride. Typically, I’ll experience some anxiousness before I can settle in. What am I doing out here? What is this for? Should I be doing other things? What about my family? Why does this feel so important? The anxiety will get to a point of paralysis and doubt. Too much thinking. To get through, I am forced to focus on the present moment and the switch flips and suddenly I am okay. I find my groove, my flow, for miles and miles. All the doubts and questions fall away. I love my life and I love riding my bike. And, I’m learning some zen.

Day 1: 12/24 indoor trainer ride (trainer road) 19.5

Outdoor ride in the snow 19.45

Day 2: 12/25 Christmas Day- 50

Day 3: 12/26 2 loops, Bedminster & Readington- 50

Day 4: 12/27 2 loops Hillsborough- 60

Day 5: 12/28 Day off  

Day 6: 12/29 To Boro Bean- 51.75

Day 7: 12/30 Road bike, yay! To Hopewell- 50.30

Day 8: 12/31 Columbia Trail- 29.73

Total: Approx 330 miles :)