Like last year, I planned to ride a shorter route for the Goatneck, as I have a sprint tri tomorrow. so...again, it would be 41 miles.
I struggled last night with stomach issues and insomnia (see previous post), so, didn't feel great going into today's ride.
I was up at 5:30, and out the door by 6:15 for a 7:30 start time. With the opening of the Chisholm Trail Parkway a couple of years ago, this ride is easy to get to, as the Parkway leads directly to Cleburne HS.
I arrived in plenty of time to air up tires, change shoes and shirt, put on cycling gear and sunscreen, etc.
The 70 mile route was scheduled to start at 7:30 and the 41 miler at 7:40. I was at the back of the 70 mile group, and decided to roll out with that group rather than wait.
The 1st 5 miles were slow and congested...as a result, I paced at 13.5 mph. Frustrating. Things finally opened up and I felt good...especially considering my poor sleep last night.
I planned to no stop this ride, but, needed to pee. While I am an aspiring triathlete, I am not yet comfortable with peeing on my bike. :)
I stopped at the 20 mile rest stop for a quick pee break. Things had been uneventful until that point. I was back on the bike quickly and then the ride changed. For the next 7 miles, it was good ol' Texas chip seal and hills. Fortunately, things improved for a bit, and I was able to build up some speed. Other than the quick stop at 20 miles, no other stops. Gatorade, Endurolytes and a banana were plenty to fuel today's ride.
It was my goal to finish in 2:30 or faster. I came in at 2:30:43 (2:34:27 including the pee break)
I'd forgotten how hilly this course is. We climbed as much in 41 miles today as we did in 52 at Cow Creek and 63 at Tour d'Italia.
All in all, a decent day. 16.6 mph, which was .4 mph faster than a year ago. I'll be back for this one again.
Good work
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