The Humbled Cyclist

Something has been up with my cycling mojo, and last week wasn't good.  I was off my game.  Granted, there was a lot going on and I was preoccupied with my daughter, but cycling always grounds me.  This being said, my riding performance last week was humbling to say the least. I fell down on three successive rides. The falls were not graceful and were not in some grandiose or exciting fashion such as a dramatic crash, a pothole or an errant animal darting out in front of me. No...I've fallen over while completely stopped or coming up to a stop.

Now, I've heard that a successful blogger is able to poke fun at themselves, well I suppose this is my time. A little self-deprecating humor is good for the soul. And in this case I just have to laughi!  It's so ridiculous it is really kind of funny.

I know I've mentioned once or twice that my favorite discipline in multi sport is to ride my bike. The bike leg of a triathlon is always a no brainer, as I enjoy the training. So far this year I have logged 2,900 miles in the saddle.  My goal is to cover 6,000 miles by the end of the year.  This is my fourth year as a serious cyclist. My point? I have enough experience that I should know how to come to a stop without landing on my ass on the pavement!

Last Saturday was the first.  The dawn's dim light greeted me as I loaded my bike and gear into my car.  It was 6:30am and it seemed the rest of the neighborhood was still sleeping. It was eerily quiet, except for the birds singing their morning wake up call.  I hummed along, to a song I had listened to the night before which was stuck in my head. I chuckled to myself as I knew the tune would likely be with me the entire day. It was.  My mood was light and I was looking forward to my weekly group ride.

It was with a group of experienced cyclists whom I've learned a great deal from through the years. I respect them and their ability.  Near the end of the ride we were approaching a 4-way stop, and I shifted to a faster gear in preparation for gaining speed after the intersection.  I literally was not gauging how close I was to the cyclists already stopped and had to stop short while still clipped in to my pedals, leaned the wrong direction and went down.  Everyone rushed to my aid and I could feel the redness creep to my face.  I was mortified. This hadn't happened to me since my beginner days.

The very next day I was riding with a group of triathletes.  Different dynamic, as we ride without drafting.  I was more relaxed than I had been the previous day, as there was no wheel to wheel pace line.  While we still rode in a group, the triathletes were spread out, almost as if each of us was riding solo and in aero position.  Fast.  Just the way I like it! At the 30 mile point, three of us decided to get in some additional mileage and kept riding. About 20 miles later we stopped at a parking lot to refuel and discussed directions home. I was pulling up next to the other ladies thinking about grabbing a Gatorade from a nearby store when BAM....down I went.  WTH??  Again, mortified.  This time a huge bruise and a scrape on my left knee, and a "crunch" sound as my head collided with one of the girls' pedals.  I lay there stupefied, until they helped me up.  What was the matter with me?  Two days in a row!

I  took a few days off from cycling. Monday was a necessary rest day spent with my daughter during and after her surgery.  Tuesday I swam and got a massage, as my neck was painfully stiff.  Wednesday was a swim/run day. Thursday I had a 50 mile ride with two other cyclists planned.  As you can imagine, I hadn't slept well all week and had a dull migraine headache. Still, I was determined to proceed with the ride. We chatted as we prepared to ride.  I put my helmet on then climbed onto my bike. As soon as I clipped in, I leaned the wrong way and went down.  I said out loud "are you honestly, seriously kidding me with this?" I hadn't even gotten out of the parking lot. Hell, I hadn't even started pedaling yet. Blood formed over an immediate bruise on my right knee.  I was going to look lovely in shorts this weekend.

What's that expression...bad things happen in three's?  Am I done with the falling down phase? I vote "yes".

It gave me pause, along with painful scrapes and bruises.  What the heck was my problem?? Was I getting to cocky?  Can girls be cocky?  Hmm....maybe I should call it "over confident" instead.  That sounds a bit more appropriate for a woman.  Perhaps it's a matter of being distracted by my thoughts or lack of balance during the three incidents.  Who knows.  What I do know is it's embarrassing.  Hugely so. To unceremoniously fall on the ground in front of other cyclists.  Not to mention passing motorists. (I know, you're laughing.)   Maybe it's the Universe's way of reining me in and reminding me I'm not invincible.  If that's the case, then I suppose I should be grateful it was three tip overs bruising mainly my ego, and not a horrendous crash.  Knock on the proverbial wood.  I think I've gotten the message.  The Universe has taken this girl's ego down a notch and brought me back to earth where I belong.

Yesterday I had a 100 mile ride planned.  I was nervous as I drove to meet the group.  I arrived and at least 30 cyclists were warming up at the meeting place. Great.  I only had 5 hours of sleep the night before and had eaten less-than-desirable-pre-race-nutrition at a party I had attended. Hot dog with ketchup, mustard and relish (and a bun!!!), cupcakes, etc.  Emphasis on the etc.  Not food I typically fuel my body with.  As a result, I was not feeling very enthusiastic about the ride. I was tired and my tummy hurt. I had the "let's get this out of the way" attitude.

I made it out of the parking lot without falling, and with the group as large as it was we cruised along at 24mph so the adrenaline was kicking.  I am happy to report the ride was fantastic!  Great company, great weather, no Michelle falling down!  Dare I say I have my mojo back?

Going forward I need more sleep, good nutrition and hydration and have to remain vigilant.  As I finish typing this at 12:30am on Sunday, I am hoping it makes sense.

Next time you ride with me, give me wide berth at stop signs.  Hopefully the good mojo is here to stay and I'm back on my game.  Time will tell :)

Two big events coming up:  RAIN (ride across INdiana), July 13, 160 miles in one day.  Terre Haute, IN to Richmond, IN.  I'm hoping to finish in 8:45:00.  Next event is Ironman Steelhead 70.3 on August 4 in Benton Harbor, MI.  1.2mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run.

I got this....

Peace, out xoxo