As the night approached (Sunday April 14th in case you are wondering), I got a little nervous and decided to do a trial run on my day off. I carefully mapped out a route on google, copied directions down and headed out on my bike.
Per usual I missed my turn and ended up in Milton. Then Roslindale and finally Dorchester to where I was actually heading...Target! At the end of the day I was confident that I could ride the route and had managed all of my errands as well.
This was actually my second year doing the ride and I was a bit concerned that since losing my bike naivety I couldn't go out on this ride unprepared. Last year we had hopped on the trail with only our bikes, a few snacks and some water but had miraculously finished unscathed. This time I was certain I'd get a flat and remain the laughing stock of my work.
So I decided to make a flat kit! Initially I was working on a fanny pack but then decided to just make a bag that connects to the bike, large enough to hold a tube, tire levers, multi-tool, 15mm wrench and a banana! I researched a few models online and got to work.
Half a day later with the help of V.'s sewing machine I was set! Reflective details and all.
Sunday rolled around and one guy dropped out of our group! I also worked all day. D. and Z. met me after work and along with DD we rode over to South Station where I had to continue work by handing out coupons and stickers.
Tons of cyclists mulled around with excitement in their eyes and shiny new stickers in their fists. Q., C., and F. met us at the station and I managed to sell the extra ticket. We stuffed our bikes under the bus (except for Z. who put his in a UHaul) and set off for Hopkington!
One hour 51 minutes and 56 seconds after we unloaded our bikes at the start line and took off we made it to Copley Square, somehow losing D. in the mix. Along the way we'd chatted up new friends, raced old ones and couldn't figure out which measly hill was supposed to be a Heartbreaker.
No comments:
Post a Comment