ride/run/ride
This past Saturday saw my first bike/run/bike adventure. I have to admit, for some weird reason I was nervous, but the anticipation was refreshing. To be doing something different and a little out of my comfort zone was exciting. To be fair, it wasn't going to be ginormous but a fun morning out none the less. Different is good!
Things kicked off just at 3:10am and I head off on my bike, loaded with all my gear. I also wore my running vest to carry my shoes as I couldn't quite figure out how to strap them to my handlebars….Ill work on that logistic next time. The gear I took for the adventure was cycling kit, running kit, four bottles of Trail Brew, two Cliff bars and two gels. It mightn’t sound like much but working out configurations on the bike/bags to optimise space and storage will take some pondering.
I was meeting some friends at the trails so I was on a little bit of a time schedule getting out there. I had approx. 38-42k to cover on the first leg so I needed to get a wriggle on. Now, riding a semi loaded gravel bike is much slower than a roadie however I was happy to get into town and out to Pine Creek in decent time, arriving just before 5am. I felt pretty decent, the morning was cool but I was comfortable on the ride out.
After a quick clothes change and storing my bike in Kevis van (my only outside assistance…if you can call it that) we head off on foot in the still darkness on the trails. We had a cool crew of Kate, Kevi, Jesus and Dad so it was to be a fun morning. We took it super easy, chatting, laughing and having a good time. Before long we were greeted with a beautiful sunrise and headlamps were switched off. After about 14k-ish, Kate and I left the others and head back toward the start location. I was pondering running longer, however with a family afternoon planned, I didn't want to bake myself too much. Kate and I chatted and rolled along nicely, before long, arriving back where we started. Appox 2.5hours of trail running bliss.
I then changed again, ate a little and jumped back on my bike to journey home. I really enjoyed the trip back to the coast and I felt fantastic. My fitness currently is at a level I don't remember it being at before and I just coasted along beautifully. Smiling, listening to a good podcast and loving the morning sun. So good! I stopped into The Journey for a celebratory brew and chat, then home to complete my just-over-six-hour mini adventure. Rad.
Overall, this first foray into bike/run adventuring was a success. I believe the ride back freed my legs up and I was stoked with how good they felt getting of the bike after round one. There is something liberating about carrying your own gear, doing your best to strip things down to the essentials and surviving on what you have on your being/human powered vehicle. I will continue to evolve, ponder and work out what works best for such trips going forward but number one was a win. I loved it!
Life is an adventure and doing new things is both exciting and nerve inducing. I crave all these things and desire for more. Time, family, business and sometimes tiredness can all be barriers to these endeavours however, finding a balance, having an incredibly understanding/supportive wife and possessing a desire for ‘more’ generally wins the day. I do hope there is plenty more of these types of outings and I treasure each one. I trust you having a super week, your finding your own happy discomfort and even staring out the window, dreaming up your own micro-adventure. Much love friends. Have a beautiful week.