Loop The Lake - Post-ride...

(Post 8 of 9)


Post-ride –

My hubby and I talked as I slowly rode back toward the parking lot and event tent.  As I pulled up, those same two ladies with pom-poms cheered.  I climbed off my beloved bike and was well aware that I was walking kind of funny.  One of the event organizers came over to give me my finishing medal.  Everyone was walking around with them on.  I got my helmet and sunglasses cord all tangled as I tried to get them off so she helped me and put the medal on over my head.  It was pretty funny how uncoordinated I appeared to be from exhaustion.  

Two riders that I recognized walked by and saw the medal.  They seemed happily surprised that I finished and congratulated me.  It was very nice.  

My hubby and I grabbed some lunch and drinks and I kept watching for mountain bike girl to arrive.  When she did I congratulated her and gave her a pat on the back.  In all honestly, she was not a mountain bike “girl”.  She was probably in her 30’s or 40’s.  She also weighed more than I do.  And I’m not petite.  I really don’t know how she did it under those circumstances and with that bike.  All I can say, is that it was totally inspiring.  Another lesson learned.  

The hubby and I packed up our stuff and loaded the bike onto the rack.  I lowered myself into the passenger seat and was relieved that I could now deal with my pain in private.  My quads and calves have never hurt that bad.  My hands and feet were, for the most part, numb.  My ass felt like it had morphed into the shape of my saddle.  I wasn't sure what was going on in the crotch area but it probably would have freaked out my gynecologist.  I was sweaty and sunburned.  And, I was also happy as hell.  

My hubby and I drove away and headed for home.  I called my folks and told them I did it.  I listened to a wonderful voice mail from a good friend who called about ten minutes after the ride started to wish me good luck.  It sounded just as sweet even though the ride was over.  I posted on Facebook that I did it.  And I told my hubby that I wanted to do it again.