You do what you've always done a thousand times before; alarm off, kit on, coffee downed. All the necessary prep has been completed, you just have to make the right moves. Shift up, pedals turn, inhale, exhale. Every single previous ride up to this point has in some shape or form contributed to this one big effort. Miles crushed, smiles abound, endorphins flood. You're laser focused on the goal, and all you know is you've gotta give it your all. And I can say with confidence that I did. The 500k is yet still elusive, but this time it was within sight and grasp; I could taste blood. So close yet so far, ending the ride was both a moment of relief but also a tinge of sadness, knowing there will have to be a next time.
Most of y'all reading this are aware of my previous efforts and this current one. Thank you so much to those who cheered me on, as it gave me extra reasons to push through. Two special shout outs to Yan and Jason. Yan for meeting me at 6 am roll out and hanging with me for the first 31 miles, or the projected first 10%. Jason for providing support and gear which honestly is its own huge effort. If my ride does not inspire, then at least let these two people's actions inspire you.
The biggest differences between my previous 500k attempt (https://strava.app.link/orAXCeyJheb) and this one, that allowed me to go further, can be summed up to four things. Temperature, daylight, nutrition, and not crashing. On the last ride, I had to start and end with arm/leg warmers and booties. Not having to worry about that and the extra weight was a plus. It got dark last time around 5-5:30 and this time was around 8 pm. I was also properly prepared with active recovery pills and salt pills, which kept the legs well lubed. And last of all, I didn't crash this time, so no lost time.
Now some ride details. I had wanted to give myself six hours ride time per century, which I was well beyond pace wise. I wanted to complete the full 500k in 22 hours, elapsed time. Actual ride stats boil down to 287.40 miles at 19.8 mph avg; 14:30:21 ride time and roughly 21 hours elapsed time. All things considered, from being self supported until mile 192 and riding solo, I do count this as a huge win. It's my current PR, and by a long shot too. I originally intended for 500k (315 miles), was gonna be content with a triple century (300 miles), but will take riding from Austin to Oklahoma as my title.
For those wondering about my bike set up, I used my trusty Giant Propel; equipped with Ultegra Di2 6870, long cage derailleur to accommodate an 11-30 Dura Ace cassette, and a Dura Ace 9000 165 mm crank paired with Absolute Black oval 50/34 rings. Wheels are 40 mm deep with ti skewers and bar is 38 wide/100 long. Saddle is a Specialized Power Comp 143 mm. Look blade pedals, Kogel bb/pulley wheels and Conti 4k 25 mm tires. Topeak feedbag and a bar burrito bag held all my calories and backup items like master links, tire levers, contacts, battery pack, etc. Sadly, I think I'm close to retiring the Propel, so this effort may be its last big hoorah. It's been fun, my friend.
There are a plethora of reasons why I do these kinds of rides and why I ride, which can be read on my 200 miler report: (https://strava.app.link/36YxEQvJheb) and my 220 miler report: (https://strava.app.link/orAXCeyJheb). But if you've been enjoying what this is all about, I'd like to turn your attention to yourself and your own passions and hobbies. Cycling is mine, and you've got yours. Get into something that gives you life and joy. If you don't currently have something like that, go and start exploring. It might take awhile. But it's out there.
Update: I stopped the ride because of sleepiness, my brain didn't want to keep going. Also I didn't specify the root reason for this challenge; in December there's a thing on strava called Festive 500 and my first attempt was the 220 miler. This ride was an attempt to complete that goal.
Lastly, my plugs.
Strava: strava.com/athletes/12532133
I'm also on insta @andysbikes and do consignment and repair: http://instagram.com/andysbikes