Sunday, March 2, 2008

Against the Wind


With less than a week before the big ride, I thought I'd get in a few miles today on the bike. I intended on doing 31 miles but cut it short at 23 due to the wind. Now that I'm home I thought I'd jot down a few thoughts.

Notes to self regarding bicycling in the wind:
  1. Know that prior to a ride, when you see the tree tops gently swaying in the distance, that means it's a flippin windstorm on the bike!
  2. Pray.
  3. When the gusts strike, hold on tighter.
  4. Pray to not be scared of a little wind.
  5. Practice getting out of your pedals faster so you can get a foot down when a wind gust decides to send you over.
  6. Pray some more.
  7. DON'T do it.
  8. Did I mention prayer?
  9. Stay on the indoor trainer next time.
  10. Plead with everyone you know to pray for good weather for next week's century ride.

Image above taken from www.extremeinstability.com

6 comments:

Melissa said...

Lol...I never realised cycling could be such an extreme sport! Cycling in strong wind sounds hazardous...and a bit scary!

It reminded me of the time we camped in a tent in Perth W.A. No one pre warned us about the nightly summer winds there (which one local affectionately referred to as the 'Screaming Easterly!') After securing the tent to the 4WD and anything else that looked like it had been there longer than a month, we prayed lots too :D

Anyway I will be praying for nice calm weather for next week's century ride and that you will have a great day :)

Anonymous said...

At first I thought the picture was one you took while riding...I was like, "What, are you nuts! That looks like a tornado!"
This just goes to show you should finish reading before making assumptions!
Good luck with your training!
We will be rooting for you during your big ride!

karly said...

Praying over here. Can't wait to see pictures! Will your lovely wife and daughter spectate?

Robert said...

Thanks for the support everyone. I'm anxious/excited for the big day. I've been looking at the forecast and thus far everything looks good. High of 70 and 8mph winds. Not bad.

Melissa, ya wind is scary! Sounds like you understand firsthand. Julianne and I actually camped in similar weather. NOT a good night.

Val, I almost didn't reference the picture too. Glad I did. I'm not that crazy!

Karly, actually yes. Julianne and Lily will be there to welcome me at the finish line along with my sister and my mother in law. I'm blessed to have such support. I'll be sure to take some pictures at the start while I'm fresh looking. Who knows what kind of mess I'll be at the finish!

Erin Faye said...

I am praying for good weather for you!! You have trained so hard for this so don't forget to have fun and enjoy it!!
Can't wait to hear all about it and see some pictures!

j said...

You chose AWESOME imagery for this post. My first step to bicycling would be to add a tractor seat to my bike so that I could actually FIT on the thing. Happy pedaling - Jen