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 🙂
