October 07, 2006
Pineywoods Purgatory
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I rode the Pineywood Purgatory today. Feeling my oats, I decided to skip the easy 25-mile route and go with the more manly 52-miler. Now, in East Texas it's not the miles that get you; it's the hills. So 52 miles on a map probably works out to be 600 or so once you factor in the altitude changes. Of course, my legs will tell you we rode closer to 1000, but they'd be lying. But they are threatening to cramp as I write this unless I mention that.
For the first time ever, I used the very lowest gear on my bike to get up a hill. I mean where 11th gear will suffice in the first 40 miles, 1st gear--1ST GEAR--barely got me to the crest. I was milked. Note to self: pack some Tums antacid because you will run out of calcium quickly. Also note to self: remember to check behind you before blowing snot out of your nose. Also, also note to self: biking shorts--which you don't have--have pads in the crotch for a reason. You may never walk the same again.
My next daring adventures on two wheels is the Dam-to-Dam ride in Jasper. My favorite riding companion, Robert, and I will once again pass our elders on their carbon fiber bikes 'neath the beautiful canopy of pine trees of Deep East Texas.
Posted by tat at October 7, 2006 02:29 PMall 'dem hills help 'dem football players too...
Great job, man. Looks like y'all are getting settled in just fine...
ch
Posted by: hareball at October 8, 2006 10:12 AMThat's my baby daddy! I am so proud of you! I can't think of a better birthday present you could have given yourself. Century, here we come.
Posted by: denise at October 9, 2006 10:22 AMI am impressed with the Lufkin Lions host organization web site, route map and the annual biker photos posted!!!
You have motivated me to use the "green belt biking trail" here in Kingwood!!
Congradulations to you and Robert for exceeding the beginning goal of twenty five miles.
Your Dad and I are very pleased that these outdoor biker adventures are available for you to enjoy..
Your physician will be delighted to have proof of your commitment to his recommended health goals.
Congratulations!! Don't you love these physical challenges??? My 60 mile walk is coming up and I'm nervous but I'm psyched, too! I wish you luck on the upcoming rides! It's so wonderful to challenge the body!! It's a mind challenge, too!
Woo Hoo! Go Dad!
Deb
Posted by: Deb Taranik at October 14, 2006 06:54 PMCongrats on '06. Now I hope you have been training hard because the Purgatory is only 3 months away. If you can, try to ride the 72 mile route, it is much more scenic. Thanks.
Jim West
Lufkin Host Lions
