The Leavenworth Gran Fondo

June 02, 2015

The Leavenworth Gran Fondo

92.4 miles ridden.

111 Fahrenheit max temp.

4,332 calories burned.

8h57m38s of elapsed time.

9,550 feet climbed.

All of this adds up to one heck of a bike ride. More survival than race, this event pushed me to my limits, both physically and mentally. I'm proud of myself for not crying, although I did come close a few times on the last climb when I was pushing my bike instead of riding for fear that I might wobble into one of the ridiculously deep ruts gouged into the fire road we were ascending, ending up in a worthless heap on the ground. Nonetheless, I (we) came out unscathed. Even after speeding down three "roads" riddled with loose rocks, gravel, sand and stutter bumps (don't forget to throw in a few wheel devouring crevasses), and riding for what seemed like hours (wait, it probably was) through a shadeless canyon, and climbing, endless amounts of climbing.

I'm proud of myself for not only not crying, but continuing on despite more than once wanting to stop, not move another inch, call in the helicopter to rescue me. I'm proud of myself for not crashing, or destroying my bike. That I managed to stay upright despite fishtailing through a big patch of loose gravel while descending. That I bunny hopped multiple trenches successfully.

I can't really say that I enjoyed myself. Ok, maybe here and there... while taking in a spectacular view, or reveling in the fact that we were at the top of a climb, or at the bottom of a decent. Mostly I just trudged along, not feeling especially happy or unhappy. I was just there experiencing it all.

I also can't say that I would do another ride like this... although it's changed from "never" to "probably not" as more time has passed. Watch, come this time next year I'll be signed up for another crazy, adventure Fondo... although next time I'll remember to pack some chocolate for when I bonk just before the last, 10 mile-long descent.