Yesterday we decided to ride a grueling 60 mile road ride in 90 degree heat. That means waking up at early on my only day off, gearing up and going for almost 4 hours of constant pedaling. It was a long flat coastal ride (ignore that power plant in the distance) with great company and new friends. But it was long, and I am still new at this. It was long, and at mile 40 I was feeling it and I knew that last mile included a bridge. A big bridge. A bridge that was bigger on the way back than it was at the start (no really, this side was steeper). But I finished.
Towards the end of the ride, I was struggling. This was my longest ride. Since my groin injury last month, I haven’t put the time in with my bikes that I want to. No mountain biking, no running. Only road riding. It’s not as fun. At all. So towards the end I’m struggling and the group is taking turns pulling me through. Handsome rides up next to me and asks why we keep doing this.
I’m stuck on that this morning. Why do we keep doing this?
It seems obvious to me. Has he not seen me post race seething because I didn’t do well enough? That should sum up why we do this. Why suffer through 60 miles? Because next month I’m taking on 120. Because I’m damned competitive with myself and rather enjoy the push. I just started counting myself down the way back and didn’t stop. I’m not ever going to be the quickest. I’ll someday be more technical. But damned if I’m not going to put the time in and earn it. I’m not a natural athlete that can show up for a race and place. That’s not me. This is something I’m not good at. But I’m getting there. And Lord knows, I’m too stubborn to not keep trying.
Lastly, it’s fun. It’s the best thing he and I have decided to do. The community, the energy, the confidence. It’s all a blast. Even after 60 miles. It’s fun.
And what does one do after 60 miles of hot sweaty pedaling? Why drink, of course. Best way to replenish the body… >.>
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Raspberry Mojitos
Adapted from Novice Chef
Ingredients
- Handful of fresh raspberries, about 1/2 cup
- 1-2 teas sugar
- 4 – 6 oz clear rum
- Handful of fresh mint leaves
- Juice of a lime
- 6 oz club soda
- Ice cubes
Preparation:
In a small blender, blend the raspberries, sugar, and rum until smooth. Strain into cocktail shaker. Add the lime juice and shake well.
Muddle the mint in two tall glasses. Add ice to the glasses and pour the rum mixture over top, dividing evenly. Finish the glass off with the club soda.
Drink. Repeat. Drink.
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good blog. It is fun this bike game, in a hard painful way. we do it because it’s hard and not everyone can do it. We do it, because we have to work at it. There is no magic silver bullet. It never gets easy, you just get stronger and faster. 20+ years I’ve been doing this game. It’s been incremental improvements all along they way. It’s that progression that keeps me coming back for more. Yeah, It’s fun. But also constant improvement goes a long way. You are a million miles from where you were a year ago. Good on you. Keep at it. BTW the guys that this comes easy to, the ones that win without a ton of work, they’ll be out of the sport in 2 years. When they have to move up, and have to work at this game, they quit. I’ve seen in 100 times. the folks who stay in, are the ones who have to work and struggle, and fight for every inch. That fight is why we do it, why we love it. Good on you Kita. Good on you.
THAT color! These are so pretty!
120 miles! Holy hell…that sounds crazy! But, I might be willing to do it if it means having a few of these at the end
my coworker is doing 126 miles from Boston to Provincetown in Septemebr to raise money for charity. Both of you guys are crazy but it’s sooo awesome that you love it anyway.
I WANT THIS DAMN DRINK. I hate you now
Ok, I might have to go lie down for a while until I stop being inspired to exercise because of reading this. I’m sure the feeling will go away soon. You never cease to amaze me, Kita. Whether it’s your biking, the food you make or that incredible photography. What you decide to touch, you excel at.
Whoa 120 miles?! Impressive! These are awesome, a perfect way to celebrate your 120 mile race victory (at the end of course)
60 miles? That’s crazy! IDK how many miles we do in my 90 minute spin class but I doubt it’s anywhere near that and it’s on a stationary bike. No amount of resistance can compare to the outdoors. You definitely deserved this drink after that.
You are a BEAST
60 miles?! You rule!! Also, this looks fabulous!
Seriously so so gorgeous!! The perfect summer drink for sure. Your rides remind me of Shane training for his Ironman last year, it was so insane!
I am tired after reading this – good grief 60 miles or 120…wow! You go Kita!! These are gorgeous and after biking 1 mile or 100…I’d take 3!
Happy Mojito Day!
This sounds delicious! The pics are beautiful too. Which lens did you use for these shots?
I adore a good mojito 🙂 raspberry sounds delicious!
The drink looks great! Did you actually use raspberry or the blackberries you show in your photos? I am sure either would be great!