While we're no stranger to exercise it has been some time since we've been in a regular routine. July 1st marked the start of a self structured program and 31 miles would be the longest ride ever. Up to this point the longest was 20 miles. I probably have the ability to pace at 1 to 2 MPH faster than my wife but I ride at her pace so we can enjoy the day together. Everything went well and I was taking in about 250 calories per hour with a mix of Gatorade, cliff bar and bananas they had at the stops. We stopped at each of the aid stations that were spaced about 10 miles apart. I felt great through mile 23 when we stopped for an extended time period at the last aid station as she needed additional rest. Once back on the bikes it was 8 miles of feeling like the quads were going to lock up at any minute. Did some stretches on the bike and was able to make it to the finish without cramping. Both of us finished and best of all we had a great time. It was a lot of fun being out on the road with so many other cyclist. Really looking forward to the next tour.

Nothing as the goal was to finish our longest ride to date and we achieved that while having fun and not feeling like death at the end. Not sure if the feeling of about to cramp was nutrition related or if maybe it was just from pushing the quads further than they have ever been asked to go.

Just used the slow peddle back to the car, loaded the bikes back up and some light stretching. Once seated in the car for a bit the quads loosened up pretty fast.


Overall fitness base. We have not been riding that long and still building that fitness base. The engines are getting better but still have a long ways to go and still need to lose some more weight. The ultimate goal will be to trade in the hybrid bikes for road bikes, put more time in the saddle, get some trainers, put more time in the saddle and work up to the century rides. I'm already looking at a 35 miles tour ride for the beginning of November.