The Vino Fondo

BIKE: 79.8 miles, 4hrs 39 minutes. A few different times to record: I did the actual VF of 76 miles in 4:39 with about 15 minutes stopped at 2 rest areas. And the biggie hill, the Strueslerburg-something-or-other in about 18 minutes. Good enough for 3rd in my AG and 2nd for the KOM. But there were only 6 in my AG, and it was a timed ride-not a race. But results are results.

This is quite likely the most fun I've ever had on a bike. The Bird was the perfect bike! Here's the scoop. I took Friday off as a rest, besides I was to busy to do much, as I was getting tired by Thursday. Having on ridden a 50-miler so far this year, and only a 70-something and an 86-er last year, I really had no idea of how good of shape I would be in for 75 miles in hills. The other gamble was that this was the first real ride on Bird since TR re-fit it with the new seat. So not only endurance but comfort were on the line.

It was a mass start out of the winery, off down some hills with 300-ish riders. It is so easy to hit a high speed in a group like that, but I stayed conservative figuring I'd want that energy back around 65 miles. The guys from the club soon dropped me, they were hammering and I wasn't. Soon enough, the crowd splintered and what remained were packs of riders in small groups. No one I knew was right around me, I knew they were all ahead. In fact, I spend the entire ride back from the turn-around trying to find EK, who was just chewing up the road ahead of me.

The weather was perfect--mid 60's, cloud cover, mild wind. The scenery just lovely--rolling green hills, small quiet towns, and some wildlife (not counting all the roadkill!). Who wanted to rush through all this and miss it?

Knowing a hilly ride like this was needed to prep for IMWI, I took the advice of IMWI vets who said powering up hills was a mistake. Spin up instead, and spin up most I did. The aerodrink bottle really helped for hills, it's hard for me to want to reach for a bottle going up and down hills. I focused on hydration and did OK there, less focus on nutrition but still did OK. I had a 2 gels, a banana, a bottle of Cytomax, and a clif bar (the CB was broken into pieces, eaten over the ride, and it didn't make me too sick this time). If I need to be ready for hills, if this ride was any indication- I'll be ready.

I felt fantastic the entire ride. Last year was marked by saddle discomfort-- I would be hurtin' just 40 mins into a ride and by 3-4 hours I'd be unable to sit on the saddle at all. The ISM saddle just installed on the Bird was a dream. The aero position and the upright position were completely free of numbness, strain, or hurt. I wore the Sidi shoes with only minor hot spots and mets discomfort. No headache, neck ache, or arm fatigue. The only hurt was some right knee tightness/pain just above the kneecap. It was fine post ride, but keep an eye on it.

I used every gear on the bird, and every gear shifted in and out perfectly. No flat tires, no dropped chain, no mechanicals at all--me or the bike. I met many other riders and chatted with them. Asked about the race on their jersey, alternated pulls, challenged each other on hills. I only rode with 2 club members for a few miles, but split from them at a rest stop. While it would have been more fun to ride with the guys, and more challenging, it was good to keep in my own head and have a good internal conversation. When you feel good, it's easy to stay positive and strong. I managed to avoid the negative thoughts, mental fuzz, and lack of orientation I've had on longer rides.

Oh, and the biggie hill with the KOM status. The Defining Hill of the ride that everyone was talking about. Can't remember how to spell it. The first timing mat was around mile 71 and no where near the bottom of the hill. I crossed the mat and and rode into the small town with the same name and found flats, curves, and small hills. Where was the biggie? I took the course description literally--the hill itself would be timed. How much energy was I going to need? I wanted to push it, since this was an individually timed segment of the course, but I held back for fear of burning out on the last mile. Around mile 74 I hit the bottom of the hill. And there in front of me was EK! I yelled up and she replied, and we cheered each other up the hill. This was not a Hill of Death, in fact while it was tough it was do-able. I was loooooonnnnggggg, that was the challenge. Granny gear was barely enough, but in all honesty I enjoyed the hill! Like most hills in the whole ride, I alternated sitting and standing, but didn't burn out. And at the top was the finish line!

Post ride was fruit, Ensure, and more fruit. Unfortunately, pasta was the recovery meal being served and I didn't want to risk feeling sick. I also avoided the wine, fearing ill effects if I was dehydrated. But I don't think I was low on water, even though I ran out of water in the last few miles of the ride (I gave half a bottle to a guy full out of water and cramped around mile 68). I have to wonder just how much being fully hydrated contributed to a great ride both mentally and physically. Haha, I don't have to wonder, of course it contributed a lot!

We hung around for a few hours after the ride waiting on the long course riders and cheering them in. I wondered if I could have done a brick run, and I think I could have managed a few miles of a slow run. Recovery was a breeze.

Just, WOW, what a day. Perfect weather, a couch of a bike, flawless nutrition and hydration, and a beautifully challenging course. Again, probably the most fun I've ever had on a bike, I felt like I could have gone forever! Thinking about a century ride here soon, I should be ready in a few weeks.