After completing my Super Randonneur series in December ’16, I was tired of cycling and took a break from it for a few weeks. During my rides over the next six months, I realized that the overnight brevets that made me a Super Randonneur also subconsciously changed my riding style and pattern. My body is always prepared for the long haul and is ready to endure non-stop biking for hours together. But this increase in stamina came at the cost of speed as I found it increasingly difficult to increase pace as in the past. I noticed similar pattern with my running as well.
My first long ride was TAF Republic Ride that I finished third year in a row. Significantly slower this year, with a couple of riders from my office finishing before me unlike the previous two years!
I had completed only three 200 Km brevets between Nov ’14 to Nov ’16 and used to consider them as events that require a lot of preparation. But after completing the Super Randonneur series, I started looking at them as opportunities to get some time for myself to relax and also add some miles for my fitness sake. The next 200 Km brevet was coming up on 18th Feb and as part of preparation, I went on a 100 Km ride the previous Sunday with my friend to Ameenpur lake and Ordnance Factory – some of the most scenic places at Hyderabad!
With the summer heat and numerous travels between March and June, my next long ride had to wait till the season’s next 200 KM brevet on 8th July. I had done a couple of relatively small rides during the preceding weekends but no real preparation for the brevet. And the 200 Km this time was the toughest route – Heaven n Hell. I took it easy and decided to use all the time available, still finishing with about 20 minutes to spare.
I had not originally planned to take part in 300 Km brevet as we typically we had to ride overnight. Surprisingly, the scheduled start was 6AM, which meant I can complete around mid night and not lose my entire night’s sleep. So, I decided to do it. The week before the ride was filled with rains that made the countryside lush green and it was a refreshing ride. The finish was not so good as I had miscalculated the climb during the last 50 Km and suffered through the last three hours. But all that ends well is good. I did manage to complete 300 Km just under 20 hours, with 9 minutes to spare!
That was my 10th brevet and one remarkable feat is that I managed to finish every one of the brevets that I started! I may not be the fastest rider, but I manage my time well!
