Did around 140km from what was supposed to be a 230km ride along the rhine to lake Constance/Bodensee, as I didn't feel ready to cross over the black forest mountain range. It was 34+ C°, almost no shade. I drank about 6 liters of water, no one was outside, as it was scorching hot. At like 99km, my legs started cramping while crossing a dangerous highway, I got to the next bench and stretched and massaged my legs for like half an hour. The last 40km after that where pure, sluggish agony, and took longer than the first 100. Glad my awesome girlfriend took the 3 hour round trip to safe my sorry ass, when I finally realized that this fight was hopeless.
But it's true, you learn a lot about yourself, about your bike and how to fit it, and I will definitely read up on how to properly stock up on electrolytes. I had some bananas and granola bars, but I think I washed all the salts out of my body with the massive amounts of water I drank, and I'm lucky I didn't get a heatstroke, as we're talking about ~hours of intense heat in direct sunlight. The tan is marvelous!
Still, was a great new record for me, and I can't wait to do it again lol. It's all about the adventure, and the experience. Have fun and be safe!
by EddieOfGilead
3 Comments
Edit: it was supposed to say ~10 hours of sunlight/heat exposure.
Swedish fish are good. Huma gels are expensive but my favorite. Skratch high carb drink mix is good. Normal non-exercise-centric food is just as good. But yeah, eat some sugar every 30m and some actual food every hour. Finding the man with the hammer is some good type 2 fun.
That sounds like an adventure and your pics are great! I’m curious about the one of the river, it looks like it has lines of waves flowing on it. Are they lil rapids or something? That’s an Impressive ride you did! I feel the same at the last 5km of a 50km ride as you did on your last 40km of 140km – and in Scotland insufferable heat begins at around 24 degrees haha!