Day 53: New experiences

Today I rode 89 miles, competed in a time trial, and rode on a velodrome.

The time trial was a 40 kilometer (24 miles) section of the day's ride. About 30 riders competed. We started at one minute intervals; I was 26th. I had no illusions about my chances of winning. Most of the other riders have been starting later and finishing earlier than me for 7 weeks. I didn't see that pattern changing. I just wanted to push myself and see how fast I could go.

I rode the course in 1 hour and 24 minutes, averaging 17.1 mph. This was the third slowest time, but I was thrilled. It was the best I could do, especially against the 10 mph headwind. I am happy I could celebrate my best, even when it wasn't even close to being "the best." When the ride was done, I was utterly spent. Actually, I was spent after an hour and simply gutted it out for the last 24 minutes. And that is what a time trial is supposed to be. I'm not sure why this is fun. As I put it into words, it doesn't sound very enjoyable, but the satisfaction at the finish line was indescribable.

A short distance from the finish line, Hope CRC of Mt. Brydges put on a wonderful lunch. I had no energy when I arrived, and wondered how I would finish the last 20 miles, but after a roast beef sandwich, salad, and Rice Krispie cookie I was revived. Marti caught up with me on the way to London and we finished the ride together. The last part of the ride was through Springbank Park, along the Thames River. It was stunning. Numerous people from London cheered our arrival.

While riding, Marti convinced me to go with her to the Velodrome when we arrived in camp. We arrived at 2:30 and left for the Velodrome at 2:45. A velodrome is a banked track that you ride on a fixed gear bike. These bikes have no brakes and no gears. If you stop pedaling, the pedals will keep moving and throw you off, so don't stop pedaling. The straight portions of the track are banked at 18 degrees and the turns are banked at 48 degrees. That's steep!

14 Sea to Sea Riders went. The instructors first taught us how to start and stop the bikes. You should have seen and heard us. We were like kids riding a bike for the first time. Initially, just staying up on the bike felt like an accomplishment. Then we did a couple of exercises on the base of the track-a part that is slightly banked. Then we got on the track itself-first in 2 groups, then as individuals, and then in groups again.

It was thrilling! We yelled; we cheered; we celebrated. This was such a surprise. After the time trial and 89 mile ride, I was sure I was too tired to do much of anything. Once I got in the Velodrome, the adrenaline kicked in and I had energy to burn. "Go, Jim, Go!" the other riders yelled. And I turned it loose, slower than most of them, but wicked fast for me.

We got back just as supper was starting-another fabulous spread by the church people of the area. The support we have been receiving from the Canadian churches has been amazing and humbling.

This was an absolutely wonderful day. I think I'm still too excited to sleep.

Thank you Jesus.