The Long Ride

There are few things more satisfying and more trying than a long bike ride. Now for me, long classifies anything more than 3 hours. You might get hot, you might get cold, you might bonk, and its either tons of fun or 3 hours of torture.

Now before you get started there are a few things you should know. These will make your ride more enjoyable and easier.

1) First of all, bring a spare kit and know how to change your tire. YOU WILL FLAT OUT! If you have my luck, you will flat out a lot. Knowing how to change a flat is kind of a part of cycling. Unless you're a hot blonde, hitch hiking will be rather unsuccessful. And, if you are a hot blonde, hitch hiking could be rather dangerous... "'Dude, they make scary movies that start out like that!' 'Yeah, but they also make porno movies that start out like that too!'" -Detroit Rock City

2) Bring some food and lots of water. You're going to get hungry and thirsty, and fortunately it is very easy to eat while cycling. So, fill up a water bottle and grab a couple PowerBars before you head out the door. In my experience, any food you bring, you will eat, and it will taste better than anything you've ever had.

3) Bring and ID and some cash. The ID so they'll know who's mama to call in the event of an accident (an ugly idea, but consider the alternative). I don't feel the need to say wear a helmet... that should go without saying. Oh, and the cash! It is a rule of the road that you must stop at one or more dumpy gas stations per long ride and get some crappy food. Little Debbies, donuts, and real Coke are all highly encouraged.

4) If you bring a friend, be prepared for some good conversation. There's no better way to get to know someone. But if you go solo, be prepared to get all your thoughts sorted out. In a long ride, I will go through the whole spectrum of life's emotions, and I always come away with a clear head.

Sometimes the weather is nice and my ride sucks. Sometimes it rains for 69 of the 70 miles and its the best ride of my life. You can just never tell how its going to go when you step out the door. Today's ride for me was 95k (just a shade under 3 hours, but we will count it) and it included apocalyptic head winds (there is nothing more demoralizing than a headwind) a bad quad cramp, and 2 flats. But, it was all good because there was a cute barista at the coffee shop where I got some apple cake and espresso!

So get out there and ride, and be sure to FOLLOW THE PACE RABBIT!