It’s getting down to the wire when I need to decide if I’m going to commit to this challenge. 36 miles of training yesterday in 90+ degree heat (don’t sneer, you East Coast dwellers, you have air conditioned homes to go to) and it was hard going at the end. Speeds between 17 and 21 mph, but I’m learning it really helps to ride with someone. I seem to have little trouble keeping up with all but the fastest riders, but my own drive keeps me at 17-18 mph.
I started to get a pounding headache that reminded me of my youth in sunny south Florida. I have since learned that can be a symptom of heatstroke. I don’t think hydration was an issue, as I drank the full capacity of a 70 oz camelback-style water tank, but perhaps it was. I sweat in flourescent lighting, so I’ll need to add capacity or fill up more frequently. 100 miles on consecutive days might require a tanker truck to ride alongside me . . . .
I just scored a Trailabike from eBay this evening so I can make these outings a family affair. Took my son and heir out this afternoon, but his range is only about 3-5 miles and the pace is a not-so-brisk 4 mph (training wheels don’t make for much speed). I figure him sitting behind gives me 60 pounds of additional training weight (groan) but should help him transition to 2 wheels. He’ll get used to the motion and posture of being upright. And I’ll burn some calories.