Indiana Randonneurs Populaire (04/09/2016)

A populaire is considered a ride that is 100k - 199k.  Indiana Radonneurs populaire was 100k.  Since my knee during the Death March did so well I decided to ride to this event, compete the event, then ride back home.  The ride was 60miles with about 60miles to and fro the start/finish, giving me around 120miles.  The ride started at 8a.m. so I left my house at 5:30a.m.

On the ride to the event I found a driver that had veered off the road and had a terrible wreck.  I called 911, however the driver did not survive.  I don't know when the accident occurred.  It was unseasonably cold this morning, low 30s, there was snow on the ground and the driver was outside of the car, I believe he went through the windshield.  It was still very dark at this time.

After giving the police my report I continued riding, considering what to do.  I felt bad, I was running late now, and didn't know if I wanted to continue to the ride.  Eventually I decided that riding a bike to the point of exhaustion would be best for me.  So I continued my commute north to the start of the populaire.

I pushed hard trying to make the start of the ride.  When I showed I was tired, my water bottles were filled with frozen water, and I discovered that I forgot my wallet.  I brought very little food thinking that I would buy food at the controls.  So now I have frozen water and little food for the start of this ride where I'm already tired from pushing, and a little chilly. 

I would assume the temp never increased greater than 40 degrees the entire ride.  The wind was very strong from the north adding to the chill.  The 60 miles populaire was a lot more difficult than I anticipated.  When finished I had to pedal 30miles home, at least I was heading south with the wind to the back.  This was a very challenging start to the season, a very good test for my knee, which it thankfully passed.

Gear:

Bike shorts
long tights
convertible Columbia pants
wicking shorts sleeve shirt
long sleeve wool shirt
frog togg shell
base sock
wool sock
5 10 shoes

Food:
2 cliff bars
1 cliff power block
1 recoverer drink mix
 3 water bottles that froze but eventually thawed for the ride home.

Death March 2016

      My knee injury suffered in France was/is a lot worse than expected.  I've been fighting this issue since arriving back in the states.  Off the bike for a week, on the bike for a day, off the bike for a month, back on the bike every other day.  This is the most brutal issue I've ever had to fight with.  I feel good, I feel as though I can ride, but as soon as I start pedaling I find I can't.  I've had multiple goals to try to accomplish to work my way back on the bike.  Talking with the Ortho specialist and he confirmed my plan.  There is the annual Death March I have ridden the last four years.  This year however, I won't ride to the event I'll drive.  Next is the Indiana Randonneur 100K Populaire, 200k, Ohio Randonneur fleche.

Death March 2016:

Still riding my trusty Redline Monocog.  Added the Brooks saddle because, well, it's a Brooks.  

View from the fire tower.  

Post ride standard.  Foam rollers, Lacrosse balls, and ice packs on both knees.  Both knees?  Yes, trying to protect my "bad" knee, I've developed pain in my "good" knee.  Not a good start.  But I did finish the 55 mile ride with some 4,000ft of climbing steep gravel grades in Hoosier National Forest so I am happy thus far.