Strava is an online scoreboard that uses riders' GPS's to rank cyclists on different sections of roads and trails. They host different "challenges" to drum up activity and exposure with the most recent being the Rapha Festive 500 Challenge. This challenge was to ride 500 kilometers, 310 miles, between December 24th and December 31st.
I decided to participate and go for an overloading week of riding that would accumulate with the most miles I've ever ridden in that time frame. Leading up to it, I overloaded in the weight room taking advantage of a 6 day trial I had to the best gym/club in Memphis. It was going to turn out to be a tough two weeks of base training.
As the 24th approached, I was unsure if I was going to be able to attempt the challenge. Everyone at my house was sick with two people even having the full blown flu and restricted to bed. However, the warmest day in the forecast was on the 24th so I decided if I was going to give it a shot, I had to make the most out of the first day. I knocked out 70 miles that first day which stressed my legs more than expected, must have been all the time in the weight room leading up to it. You know you went hard on the bike when you have to sit down in the shower.
The next day it was raining and 36 degrees: no riding. Snow lined streets and 32 degrees the next day didn't stop me though. I was able to ride everyday except the two days that it was raining in the 30s. That's just crazy. There sure were some bitter cold days out there, but I continued to get out the door and put in the miles. I now stand 76 km, 47 miles, away from finishing the goal. Shouldn't be a problem to complete it this afternoon. So here I go, ending 2012 on a good note after a rough few months. Being in the saddle always makes me happier.
