I just realized that I wanted to create this blog. I'm embarking on a 5-day biking trip (complete with camping) on the C&O Canal. 180 miles of glorious (and not so glorious) biking that will begin in Cumberland, MD and end in Georgetown, Washington, D.C.
The adventure begins on June 16. I wanted to get myself in shape for this trip. I used to run - until I got a foot injury that just never wanted to heal. Once it healed, I decided that I needed to bike. It's less stress on the body (or so I thought - it takes a LOT of energy to move this big body up hill!). When I began my training it was about getting my legs in shape for the hills and having enough stamina to maintain a cadence that could sustain two 20 mile increments in a single day. I ain't gonna lie, I was worried that I'd never be able to do 20 miles IN a day. I was also worried about having the right seat. I'm a big man with a big ass. So one would think you need a whollotta seat. Well, after consultations with sales consultants at REI and at my local bike shop, they both stated that a smaller seat is best and that it's smarter to get some longer rides in as to build up a tolerance for the pain in the space between your ass and your gonads. Luckily I did get in a few good long distance rides. After the first 3 bike rides, I was in DIRE PAIN and thankfully the pain isn't nearly as intense as I ride now.
The first long distance ride I took on was 13 miles. What an achievement! I figured this would be a good start - especially when I planned to bike to work in early May. It was National Bike to Work Day and I needed to bike 16 miles to work. Simple, huh? Well, I made it to work hills and all and burned supposedly over 2200 calories in 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Well, now that I've overcome the pain of the bike seat, built up my leg muscles, spent way more money on gear that I ever wanted to, learning how to properly use my gears and nearly passing out from not eating then biking - I do believe I am ready with lessons learned.
This blog will document my 5 day adventure from start to finish - photos along the way and possibly even some videos!
Let's get rollin'!
Wow Dennis. So proud of you! Todd and I just got back from the mountains and we have started really enjoying our mountain bikes. Also realizing we need new ones! We rode 13 miles Saturday, and yes, we felt that was an achievement....but are striving for more miles. lol We are wanting to plan a trip to ride the Greenbrier Rail trail....whe whole trail. Im thinking it was like 78 miles. We looked at a map and saw Bed and BReakfasts on the way, camping spots, etc. We believe we can do this. WE just talked about this last night! Then, this morning, I got up and logged on the computer and saw your blog! What an inspriration! Very proud of you. Good luck and I am excited to read about your adventure! _ Vic
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