My
Cycling experience 100 kms J
Life is a journey that must be traveled no
matter how bad the roads and accommodations. – Oliver Goldsmith
Long distance cycling is
challenging event but doable. The more you prepare for it, the more you will be
ready to face the reality of toughness. So far, I have done five times 100kms
cycling and every time there is a new thing to learn from it and make my
experience more valuable. Honestly, I do not much train before the event, which
is a drawback but cannot help it because of my busy schedule. I want to share
couple of moments from each of the rides where I learned and understood my
strengths and weakness.
The Pearl ride was the first
longest cycling event I took part in 2017 and I did not prepared for it. I was
excited and confused and anxious that how will I finish it. I went in a wrong
route and ended up cycling 120 kms but unfortunately dropped at 95kms. However,
I was happy that I tried my best to test my fitness levels and was able to ride
continuously for 7 hours. Also realized that you must prepare ahead for any
event. It not only makes your ride smooth also leaves you injury free.
After, the first failure of
not finishing the ride and dropping in between, I decided to train a bit and
try again to cycle 100kms. Before that, I took part in couple of 50kms rides and
finished with better timing. That confidence made me to register with The Bike
affair in 2018. I prepared mentally for the ride this time and was able to
finish it in 7 hours. I totally believe that mental strength is stronger than
physical fitness. In between during the ride, many a times I felt to give up
but couple of fellow riders encouraged me and supported me to finish it. Kiranmayee
garu was my best ride mate ever. Many a times, she slowed down her speed and made
sure that I finish the ride. Her patience and endurance has impressed and
inspired me a lot. It taught me how important it is to have a person to support
you when you lost all your stamina and energy. Always remember to support your
co-riders.
Best Memory – When I finish
the ride, though it is late organizer’s comment - ‘Madam we know that you will
never give up and will finish the race no matter how hard it is”. These lines
makes me feel happy about my achievements. These make me keep going J
Some tips for long distance cycling – 60kms, 70kms and 100
kms
1. Keep
hydrated throughout the race
2. Listen
your mind first and then body
3. No
matter what don’t give up
4. Your
goal is to finish the ride safely
5. Do not
compare with other riders speed
6. Try to
follow the cut off time if unable to do so, do not worry keep going
7. Do not
use the head phones or listen to music
8. Always
make sure you follow the map and instructions provided
9. If
lost ask locals ( I always miss my route J)
1. If too
tired and both your body and mind has given up, please do not hesitate to call
the organizers and go back safely with them.
Who organize
such rides?
#Thebikeaffair #Hyderabadbicyclingclub #Cykul
Why organized
rides?
1. They
will make sure you are safe & hydrated well and will have SAG at required
distance for all participants.
2. They
provide water and sufficient snacks at all SAG points
3. Yummy breakfast
once you finish the ride
4. Ride
recce done prior to the event.
5. Route
map provided
6. Photographs
for memory
7.
They check your cycles before the race start
(if needed)
8.
Guidelines and rules are strictly followed (for
our safety)
What
you should do before event?
1.
Sleep well at least 8 hrs before night
2.
Eat some snack before the event start
3.
Check if your cycle is in a good condition
4.
Have a little plan in mind that how many kms
you want to finish in an hour.
5.
Have raisins in your pouch and keep munching
them (Thanks Kiranmayee garu who gave me this amazing tip)
Hope these tips are useful.
Now I want to train myself for 200kms J Wish
to be fulfilled soon! Good luck for your rides. Happy riding!
 |
| Only female rider at Mass ride in Medchal (50kms in 2 :30 hrs) |
 |
| Kiranmayee garu who supported me during the ride |
