Well I did it again. Yesterday I bonked. I know better, but it still happened. What's a bonk? A bonk occurs for a bicyclist by completely running out of energy, usually due to dehydration and depleted calories. The solution is prevention. Drink plenty of water and take energy bars or some other high calorie food with you. Of course I know this, I've bonked more than once in the past It happened again because I didn't plan carefully. I wanted to complete one last 60-80 mile ride. I had the time, so I left home with two water bottles and a power bar. Unfortunately, I was riding into a 25-35 mph wind with 85 degree temperatures and humidity. There were no gas stations or convenience stores along the route. I turned back at 30 miles and was totally exhausted with 10 miles left. I felt like a drained battery. I stopped for a rest, which helped briefly, but just like battery, I didn't carry a charge for long. After several more stops, each one happening sooner than the last, I finally made it home. After drinking several glasses of water and eating some good food, I felt fine.
Did I learn anything? Nothing new, but it was good to be reminded of an old familiar lesson.
Transcontinental Route
About Me
- Cal Meuzelaar
- Summer 2008 promises to be very exciting and rewarding. I was raised in rural Kansas, near Highway 36. Every summer, I would see and sometimes visit with transcontinental bicyclists traversing Kansas on this well built but sparsely used road. I often dreamed of joining them. As a long-time bicycling enthusiast, this summer I plan to fulfill that adolescent dream. Starting June 15, I will bicycle from Florence, Oregon to Salem, Massachusetts. Through this blog, you're invited to join me. My wife, Mary will drive support. Combining bicycling and my work, I am dedicating my efforts to the goal of raising $100,000 for charitable services through the Pine Rest Iowa clinics. In addition to following the bicycle journey on this blog, you're invited to support the journey to mental health many people experience at the Pine Rest Iowa Clinics. Would you like to know more about Pine Rest, the ride or how to contribute? Click on the Renewing Spirits Bicycle Tour Home Page link which is listed at the top of this page. There's more information at the Renewing Spirits Bicycle Tour Home Page.
3 comments:
a lesson with spiritual applications... :)
How true. To continue the metaphor, while riding yesterday, I was still recovering strength. Today the conditions were identical to the day I bonked, with high temperatures, winds and humity. I went for a 20 mile ride as fast I could peddle and my heart and lungs would carry me. It felt GREAT. I was stronger for having bonked.
That's familiar. Scoping out Surry Century course (Va.) I had a hard time after the first loop, 55 miles. Week before I did 80 in a group and was ready for more. Had bad wind and hot sun, and I couldnt keep HR below 145. Still experimenting what to do in first 65 so I finish last 35. My first century (60yrs old). Any suggestions?
Post a Comment