When I rode in the Bluebonnet Express, an MS 150 training ride, a few weeks ago I had every intention of blogging about the 80-mile experience. But, well, so many other things came up and I never got around to it.
Here is my experience in one word: AWESOME!
I prayed for a confidence-boosting ride and my Father certainly delivered!
As I was driving out to the start point, hoping people were praying for me, I started to get a little nervous and wondered if I should take the 62-mile route instead of the 80. But then I turned off the highway and “Everything Glorious” by the David Crowder Band came on and I was filled with excitement and energy and I knew there were people praying for me. And I began to get fired up.
The ride was beautiful and, at the end, I felt like I would be ready for the MS ride April 18 and 19. That was exactly my hope.
Instead of the detailed post I wrote in my head while cycling, I’m going to give a you an abbreviated version.
Here’s a shot of my traveling buffet. I keep a zip bag of trailmix handy in my so I can graze as I cycle. I also keep a map and the lip balm in easy access… my lips tend to dry in all that wind. (I keep my camera in a jersey pocket.)
This is a shot of all those behind me at the start line. There were hundreds ahead, too, but the photo didn’t come out well because of the sun and shadows. I heard there were about 3,000 riders that day. I am not sure how accurate that count is.
Because there were several distances to choose from in this ride, each route had a coordinating color. I followed the red arrows.
At my first rest stop there was quite a line for the porta potty. This is typically how it is. Here’s a shot of when I first joined the line:
I was so amazed at the very kind Boy Scouts passing out fruit and snacks to those waiting in line. Typically you wait in line for a long time to use the bathroom and then head over to the snacks. The Boy Scouts made the time in line go quicker and, because I could snack in line, I didn’t have to use so much time at the rest stop. Very nice! Another Boy Scout came by and collected our trash, too. Brilliant!!!
Back on the road I passed by a family cheering us on with cowbells. I LOVE that about the MS 150 ride– There are so many people along the route clapping, cheering, playing music, ringing cowbells and just encouraging us. There is even a bagpiper on Day 2 in the morning. I hope he is back this year. I am tearing up as I type this thinking about all of them out there. (Really. I am.)
Soon I caught up with 2 cycling friends. We rode together for awhile.
On training rides I often see tandems. Here’s a father and son team:
I also came across another friend. This was his first training ride.
At my second rest stop I stripped off my legwarmers (No, they aren’t purple knit like in the ’80s) and my jacket and stowed them in my jersey. Cycling jerseys typically have pockets for food and other supplies.
I pedaled off and was alone for awhile so I decided to take some pictures of the solitude. I won’t have much of that on the MS ride!
My view looking down. (That’s my speed and distance on the computer.)
Looking ahead
and looking at the wildflowers.
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