Getting the right nutrition matters on a big ride such as ours. Each day we'll be stretching our bodies to the limit.
We spent the afternoon intensely working on the bikes - getting them ready for the ride.There were some challenging moments with a rack that wouldn't fit properly and other mechanical frustrations.
Finally, around 5.30 pm, we went for a twenty mile ride - our first together, and my first in USA - on the 'wrong side' of the road. The weather was very cold and windy.
I found it impossible to keep up with AB. He's younger, fitter and his bike is lighter. Also my bike doesn't fit me properly yet, the handlebars are too low (I have a professional bike fitting on Tuesday). But I did alright for a 65 year old. On the way back, I led and AB graciously went at my pace.
The first thing I noticed when we set off was my breathlessness, I was soon gasping and wheezing. This is because Missoula is 3000 feet above sea-level and the air is thinner. It will take me a while to acclimatise.
Surprisingly on the way back, I did better - despite the wind being against us.
OK, it isn't a race, but it's good that I acclimatized so quickly.
Given that we'll be riding at 10,000 feet in Utah sometimes, Missoula is the start of some altitude training.
No comments:
Post a Comment