The plan was to meet up With Bryan Frantz and some other riders and go do about a 50 mile ride. The AC went out in my car, so needless to say, with all the rain that we were having and having to drive with the windows open, I burned more fuel and I was simply miserable at one point or another during the trip, very frustrating.
ON the way down, Bryan called and asked if we wanted to meet for breakfast at McDonald's right before the ride. Turns out I would later regret this choice. After a frustrating search for food and one place that was way too expensive for my meager budget, we finally found a place to eat that was only 1/4 mile away from Tom's place. Didn't know it at the time. At Tom's house we watched a Tour pre show, and laughed and joked, super nice pad, super hospitable and generous family, no doubt.
That morning Rob and I got up early and rolled out, had our breakfast, and met up with the group. 7 of us rolled out on a ride, we crossed some tall grassy double track, some smooth dirt roads, some shell rock road, some bumpy grassy connectors, came across some 420 enthusiast, just a good rolling ride. At mile 11 I knew something was a miss, something was not quite right. I started immediately feeling a little ill.
Soon after nausea set in. Followed by Dry heaving at times and horrible sharp stomach cramps. My day was done. At mile 11, we rode 55 for the day. I treat almost every situation as a preparation for the challenges I will face in these long epic rides I plan on doing. If I would of been alone touring or racing bike packing self supported style I would of probably laid up and waited. But I was not alone, and I was miles from any kind of refuge. SO, I pulled out every trick I know on how to cope. Anything I could do to feel better or pep my spirit, cause spirit was the only thing that was going to get me through this ordeal. So, I opened up my shirt, full zipp down, took of my hat to get extra cooling, found water spickets at ranger stations and wet my head a couple of times, took off my gloves. If I would of have had my headphones I would of listened to music. I tried at times to stop and wait for the lone rider off the back, but at one point, I stopped to wrap my phone in a plastic bag and it took so long that I was stuck trying to catch up to him. Then at another point I stopped to fight my dry heaves and didn't catch up to the back of the ride till we all caught up with the waiting group.
At some point, I told Bryan, that I needed to take the road back. On the road I know I could muster at least 11mph plus, off road technical jeep roads would only equate to about 5mph or so. I had now reached miserable, survival pace. I figured at least I could finish the ride in one hour or less versus two hours. We got to the road, and he indicated that a couple of miles up the road was a convenience store, so I took off.
If I know I got a goal, my move will be to push myself hard to reach it. I figured there, I could maybe get a huge coca cola and maybe that would settle my stomach and make me feel better. Well, after a little bit of hammering, I looked back and no one was with me, shortly after, Bryan caught up and passed me, then Rob Roberts came up and passed me, I managed to turn it up and get on his wheel and we cruised into Club Shell together.
The stop was all too welcome. But instead of being elated to be in the shade, I was getting goose bumps because of the cold air that was blowing in a storm. The sky was dark in all directions. But after breaks and refreshments we rolled out. I had to zip my shirt up, and eventually Rob Roberts scored some foam anti static wrap off the side of the road that I was able to stuff in my shirt to insulate my chills.
I kept the pace busy, we got a good roadie peloton going. We dropped half the riders, but half of us stayed up, till I had about six miles left and the the stomach cramps came back stronger than ever, I waived them on, and kept going on my own pace, but finishing nonetheless.
What a morning. After that we went to eat, and I ate the slowest I had ever ate as my stomach was still settling. When we reached Tom's house, I know for a fact something did not go down right from McDonald's as my relief was the stinkiest I have smelled in a long time. Downright Toxic. No more McDonald's for me, LOL.
We got cleaned up and rolled out, LIL'r NI was so helpful, but we were rushing to get to the Shop in time to do the Bikepacking clinic.
Not many people were there, the weather was awful, but the show went on, and the group we had, asked a lot of questions and were simply enamoured by our bikepacking set ups and our aspirations to race the divide.
Tom and his Crew put Easy ups to protect us from the over head rain. Rob used his Rave mobile to back it up and use as a display for the projector, and we watched the movie. I don't know who liked it or who didn't, but it seemed like most of the people who commented to me truly enjoyed it.
The rain did sabotage the event a bit as I didn't get quite the turn out I had hoped for. BUT, we did our best and the positive energy was felt around, the festival atmosphere was abound, and good vibes and times where had by all that were present.
I honestly am still trying to decide if I will do another showing. At this point, I would have to have either a free place to show the movie to make any profit, or 200 people to show up to really make some money on it, I don't know if all the cycling communities combined in the area could get that kind of turn out.
Probably not gonna do another showing and just lick my wounds and go on, back to the drawing board.
Rob, is making bike bags though and I really think its a good thing, and can see him with some effort making his money to race the divide that way. ME, I will have to use what little talent I have to come up with my own way to get there.
The drive home was an exercises in endurance as I was worn and tired, but eventually I made it. LiL'r NI was so helpful and fun, and was by my side the entire time. Yesterday I slept in and actually felt lonely not having him around as he went to visit his mother for a couple of days.
I caught up on the Tour De France, took the Brooks off the Mamasita and moved it to the road bike. Why? Well, it was messing with my tuck in the Freddies. Putting some weird pressure in a spot that I dont want weird pressure in, on the cross bike I will never be so tucked, so I put on the saddle I had, and moved it over to the Cross. In order for me to get a brooks that would fit the positioning I take on that bike I would need a very racey saddle and I think those are WAY EXPENSIVE.
Plus, I am trying to lighten my bike. Trying to think of ways to do it?
Sunday eve, I watched a little TV and fell asleep to the sound of the fireworks going on all over the city.
Now starts another hard week of Race preparation and training, looking forward to the Samurai Roubaix on Saturday.
Huge, Huge Thanks to Tom Rassiga from the Bicyclery for all his support, generosity and friendship. Heck of a guy, great family. We felt so welcomed and taken care off for sure. Also Huge thanks To Bryan Frantz, Roberto, Renny and the rest of the West Palm crew for making us feel like part of the gang.
Pressing on.
Take care,
Laters,
The NaKeD InDiaN
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