I was sharing my weekend plan of biking the entire NCR trail (a 20 mile trail from Hunt Valley to the Pennsylvania line) on Saturday and was met with a lot of doubt and taunting. I was asking some of my co-workers how long they thought it would take to bike 20 miles (which then led to me really saying that I'd end up biking 40 miles since I'd have to return to the starting point) because I hadn't ridden a bike in awhile. And by awhile, I mean since high school.
I know how to ride a bike. I've ridden a bike around within the last couple of years but I haven't ridden a long distance trail for over 10 years. I am, however, a very active person. And I take spinning classes at the gym. My only real worry is how sore my ass will be from the bike seat.
But cheese and rice, you would have thought that I was 400 lbs overweight asking people's opinions on my chances of winning the Tour De France. Nobody thinks I can do it! I got a lot of "Ppffttt… good luck with that" or "You should probably do a 5 mile warm-up before tackling 40 miles". Yarg! What is a 5 mile warm-up going to do for me? If I'm already peddling, I might as well keep going.
I got home last night and was so pissed that I declared to The Mr, "If my bike is busted, we are buying me a new bike because I WILL bike the entire NCR trail even if it kills me!"
We're swinging by my parents' house tonight to check on my hunter green Huffy mountain bike that I haven't ridden probably since 1996. I used it frequently between the years 1993-1996 until I got my driver's license. It's been stored in my parents' garage ever since. I think the only real problem will be the tired (dry rotted maybe) but I think it should be in good shape. I had a dream the other night that it was completely rusted over so I hope that isn't true. I really don't want to buy a new bike…
But I WILL bike that 40 miles on Saturday and I will take pictures of me screaming fuck you to all my doubters!
Nothing like a little anger to get me motivated.
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9 comments:
I rode my bike 28.7 miles after not riding consistently for ummmmm ever. My only advice is get a good good seat, do not use the regular seat. Pack a good lunch or break food and eat something tasty at the end.
And are you doing the rail trails? I love them. I grew up right near them at the PA/MD line.
You will have fun. The trails that I am thinking of are super super level and flat with only a slight grade if any at all.
Ha ha! I get the same way when someone acts like I can't do something. I used to bike a lot on the B&A trail in high school and breaks from college, but haven't touched a bike in about 4 years now! I know it's totally impractical, but I really want a beach cruiser. They're so cute!
oooh, good luck sweetie. i have faith that you can do this! i'd offer to join you, but i, however, would die in my seat and you'd have a hell of a time riding your bike with me slumped over your handlebars.
oooh, you should get pegs on your back tire and i'll totally peg with you. you ride and i stand. we'll be so cool!
Gad I could help. HAHAHA
Wowzers. Good luck!
I haven't been on my bike since 1998, when I got my license. Only mine? Is a BLUE Huffy mountain bike. What I wouldn't do for a hunter green one!
If ur little huffy i broke...u can swing by and borrow mine. Its all tuned up and just waiting to go somewhere!!! (and the seats pretty darn comfortable)
Why do some people have to be such downers? I know you can do it and you're going to have an amazing time! :)
Whoever designed the bike seat ought to be shot. "Hey, make it long and skinny so that it rams up their anus! And make it really hard so that their butt will hurt."
NCR trail - 3 hours. Easy. It's an updward grade to Pennsylvania. That takes the most time. From PA back it's mostly downhill. It gets a bit crowded at the parking lots - Parkton, Monkton, Hunt Valley. But it's mostly a pretty ride. Lots of bridges over the Gunpowder. Beware of snakes, though. Lots of them.
You can do it if you try - V-I-C-T-O-R-Y!!!!
I am sure you cna do it! (did it at this point - how did it go???)
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