It Was Not Easy

July 4, 2010

Day 2 - 138.9 miles

What a day. I did things I have never done before or experienced before. This is how the day went. Got up at 4 am because that is when I woke up. Since sunrise is not until 5:30 am you really can't get on the road until 5:15 which is what I did. Did something smart. I put my water bottle in the freezer half full the night before and then in the morning filled it the rest of the way. Really kept the water cold for a longer time. I planned with Rene to meet me on Sandy Hook at 8:30 with the food I prepared and more water.

When I went on the road it was cool and beautiful. Spectacular sunrise. I rode down to Sea Girt and I was the only one on the roads. The crowds did not arrive yet. Then I headed back to Sandy Hook. Still not hot yet and the wind was out of the west which is a cross wind and was not bad. By the time I reached the Hook around 7:30 the crowds where coming. I wanted to stay on the Hook as long as I could before the crowds just made it impossible. I was able to stay there thru 85 miles. Did loops on the bike path and the roads which really was not bad. When I knew I had to leave, they had actually closed Sandy Hook to cars as it was at capacity. The temperature had also gone over 90 degrees. I decided to do the rest of the miles around my home.

There was so much traffic on Ocean Ave that I had to turn and go inland into Rumson. Here is where I felt the heat. Now over 95 degrees. I started cramping and had to stop twice because the cramps where so bad. Bot more water and decided to do the prudent thing and head for home and finish the miles in my basement. I did 110 miles outside and the rest inside on my trainer.Those last 30 miles inside where not easy. I was tired, a little dehydrated and ready to be done. Finally I finished.

After a shower I had pizza and Gatorade and I am still drinking a lot of water to get rehydrated.There is no doubt in my mind now, that the Tour de France is the hardest athletic event. Those guys race this and have mountains and also the heat. Give me a break. I am going to now take an ice bath to refresh my legs and go to sleep. Tomorrow is another day and the temperature is getting hotter. Probably split this up between outside and inside.

My thought for the day: Be careful what you dream about, it might come true!

Total Distance: 139 miles
Total Bike Time: 9 hours 37 minutes
Total Elapsed Time: 10 hours and 25 minutes

Phil