500 miles in 5 Days - Day 1

-
(bikes get to rest at rest stops too)

A few weeks ago, I rode 300 miles in 3 days to see how I would react to it.  I had also been planning to do 500 miles in 5 days and today was the first day.  Basically, I want to see if I can really ride 100-125 miles a day - day after day like I'll need to when I ride to VA in June.  I want to do that before I truly commit to the trip and before buying any last supplies and gear I'll need.

Well, today went well.  I started out with a local group and rode with them for 15-20 miles before turning off and continuing out to Wilmer, Lancaster, Ferris, and back again.  All in all, I got 105 miles in and I feel pretty good.  I was able to ride at the pace and effort I wanted for the entire ride and honestly really enjoyed the ride.  So, I'd say these 5 days are off to a good start.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Finishing the TransAmerica Bike Route (Hopewell, VA to Yorktown, VA) - 59.7 miles

-
Image
Erin flew in Monday with her bike.  So, yesterday, she and I rode the last of the TransAmercia Bike Route to Yorktown, VA. We left my parent's house and rode out over the same draw bridge I rode over Sunday night, then picked up where I left off on the Virginia Capital Trail .  It's a multi-use trail running from Richmond to Williamsburg and is used by runners, cyclists, and walkers.  It's really neat that they created this trail and how long it is (52 miles).  They also seem to take good care of it.  At one point, a truck was driving down it towing a blower to blow stuff off the trail. (Finally had some company on the road.) The Capital Trail parallels Route 5 and runs along and through wooded areas and farm land.  Sometimes there were corn fields right next to the trail - so close I could reach out and run my hands through them if I wanted to.  You could even smell the corn (which was amazing if you ask me). (Back on the Capital Trail.) (R
Read more

Gear Update

-
Image
After my last post ( My gear (and how I'm carrying it all) , I decided to see if I could pair things down and pack better.  I wasn't thrilled with the how much everything weighed and really didn't like having a frame bag rubbing my legs as I pedaled. So, I picked up a dry bag system that mounts to my handlebars.  It's a Revelate Design Sweetroll.  I also replaced a few things with lighter versions and got rid of some things I don't believe I'll need.  All told, I was able to drop 4 lbs off the weight of my gear.  Down from 20.8 lbs to 16.8. Here's a couple pictures of the bike fully loaded.
Read more