Don't even ask me what that all means in the title. I read about it but quickly forgot. OK, I decided to look it up again. Here is what I found.
Gran Fondo's are mass participation cycling events that have enjoyed incredible popularity in Europe for decades and are beginning to gain momentum in North America and beyond.
Gran Fondo means many things to many people. Loosely translated, it means everything from "great foundation", “great distance” or “great endurance.” It can be a full-on race, or just a ride. It’s both a sporting event and a cultural experience. And it’s truly Italian. There’s nothing like it anywhere else in the world.
Gran Fondo's were invented in Italy in the early 1900's and have been part of Italian cycling culture and tradition for over 100 years.
I guess we are participating in something that has a great history. We started the day with a free pancake breakfast. Judie, Sheila and Jackie! I have to say right now that Judie finished 2nd for the 30 mile riders. One man ahead of her and that was it!!!
We visited until it was time to go. The 66 mile group and the 100 mile group started earlier than we did. 30 miles for us.
Walking to the start line not knowing what was in store. The distance didn't bother me and I knew I need some hill training. So here we go!
I apologize to the lady in blue for the view but I have never been escorted by police cars before so I had to get a picture. That was a first!
The long and winding road!
Beautiful views. Lots of rolling hills, some short and some not so short! Hill practice was going great. Even though the hill training was going great we were at the back of the pack. These bikers were very nice and very good, that includes Judie Engel. Sheila was so nice and waited for me on several occasions! It was hot and the wind was blowing right at us which made things a bit more difficult.
Frank and I became close personal friends. He rode behind the last group or person to make sure everyone was OK. I told him I was totally fine, just slow! He said he was slow too. Trying to make me feel better. Actually, I didn't feel bad at all.
At one water stop I mentioned to Sheila I did not like the bike adjustment that was made to my handlebars. I said I was headed to the bike shop to get them raised like they were after the ride. Frank to the rescue. He fixed them and I was on the road again and much more comfy!
This is the "He.. Hill according to Sheila. Pretty right on. Steeper than Doomdsay Hill in the Bloomsday race but not quite as long. I had to get off and walk. Too much for me!
Frank waiting for me! Thanks Frank. I did mention to him I had his phone number in my cell phone. What? I told him on the website it said if you had problems Frank was the 30 mile helper. Hmmm. He didn't know that was published and said he had been ignoring his phone.
This was one of the hardest if not the hardest bike ride I have ever done. I never wanted to quit or felt like I couldn't do it but the rolling hills got harder as the miles added up. When you work hard at something and see the finish line it feels good to work like that and get it done! Wind, heat and hills didn't stop any of us! We all got it done! Felt so good to see the finish line and I was still smiling! I was the last 30 miler to finish!
This is the smile of someone who got 2nd place in the 30 mile bike ride! This was a hard ride. Congratulations Judie!!!
The Cook's were doing some timing at the end of the race. Come on Dave!!! Can we see your wife?
About three hours for us. 10 MPH average. Not bad for rookies at Gran Fondos!
Massages, a band at the end of the line.
Lots of yummy snacks!
We all got pint glasses at the end of the race and a free glass of beer if we wanted it. I was riding back to the car with my glass in hand! Headed up a hill in the wrong gear, shifting was not happening and I got slower and slower. Tried to clip out of my bike pedals and didn't. I went over. I was totally fine but one foot was still clipped on my bike pedal. Sheila finished the hill and came back. I was still laying on the ground with one foot clipped in attached to my bike. She had to upright the bike so I could un-clip my shoe. The glass was shattered. I got in my car and went back to ask if I could get another one. Dave Cook was still there. "You fell on the way back to your car?" Yes, I did. "Well at least you didn't pass out this time." I did not pass out at the Windermere!!!!! I got a new glass! Happy ending! Sort of!
No comments:
Post a Comment