On Saturday we set out with MBM to take a practice ride on the Monster Cross route. The Monster Cross is a 50 mile race at Poco on February 26. Dynamo is riding in the mountain bike singlespeed category.
First, I'd like to note that the 15 year old hand-me-down bike shoes finally busted. Yes, they were Dynamo's shoes that I've been wearing for 2.5 years. They were Dynamo's first bike shoes. They are a little big, but work perfectly in the winter with two pairs of socks.
The pic is not that great, but you can see the slight crack beneath the clip...Well, it's a BIG crack when the shoes bends...
But...they are now done. They can go no farther. R.I.P. Nikes! They were great shoes!
So, for now I'm wearing Dynamo's Shimanos that are now his warm weather shoes. Again, they are too big, but I make do. I guess this spring I'll have to go out and get myself some bikes shoes because Dynamo will need them back. I guess I'm now on the hunt. If you have any recommendations, I'd like to hear them!
And...I'd also like to note that I have discovered two must haves for the ride. My Profile Design pouch for snacks, maps, and camera...
...and my Six Six One gloves. They rock!
They are super lite, have great gripping power, and even have a little terry cloth section for wiping sweat!
Me, being the navigator for our rides, I had the responsibility of overlaying the Garmin map with the Poco map to make sure we had the route correct.
So, we got going...
Yes, this is a hill...
There were lots of them on this course! look..another one...
And, it was only the beginning of the ride!
Our adventure began at the nature center. We headed up to the front of the park and over to what we call the horse side of the park.
We encountered a few riders of a different type....
Then we came back over to the main park and headed down Fendley Station to the dam where we stopped to photo a father son duo. Notice anything unique about this picture?
Yes, it's a mountain unicycle. WOW! is all I have to say.
We traveled up the park road for a short ways...yes, more hills..
The last 5 or so miles was on Forest Exploration...
There are some big climbs at the start of Forest Exploration...
There was a lot of pedaling...
Then, we passed through the boat ramp and up the hill back to the car.
It was a fantastic ride. I felt pretty good. I was pleased with my ride time and speed. Each time I'm getting stronger and faster. I think I was spot on with the route! The first lap is supposed to be 27.5 miles. We finished the first lap with 27.7 miles on the cyclometer. Pretty close I would say.
1 comment:
Go girl go!!!! 27.7 miles? WOWSA.
And you kill me about wearing his shoes...really?!! :)
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