Last Saturday I joined several hundred other cyclists in “conquering the coast” by completing a 65-mile bicycle ride around Corpus Christi Bay.
The beginning of the ride was a little stressful. No, I didn’t hit a pot hole or get tangled up with another ride at the start of the ride. The stress came from the fact that our family misjudged the amount of time it would take to get to Whataburger Field and we arrived about 5 minutes before the start of the ride.
There I was nearly limping along on one foot trying to get my bicycle shoes, helmet, gloves, etc. before the ride started. We made it with just a couple of minutes to spare.
At the beginning of this ride is an amazing climb up the Corpus Christi Bay Bridge which provides a commanding view of the area. It’s one of the few climbs on the ride (we’re at sea level, remember?).
After the climb over the bridge, David and I settled into a good pace. A headwind at the beginning of the ride was a good omen that we’d have a tailwind on the most challenging segments. In fact, after disembarking from the Port Aransas Ferry (an experience that is a highlight of the ride), we settled into a brisk southerly ride with average speeds between 19-21mph!
By mile 50 and certainly 60, the ride was starting to take it’s toll on me. My left hamstring, hands, neck and upper back were starting to really complain. I expected this of course and it reminded me that doing a ride like this is as much of a mental challenge as it is a physical challenge.
But at nearly 69 miles, I completed the ride. David and I drafted another cyclist and she poured the cold to it for the last few hundred feet resulting in me hopping out of the saddle to keep up. When we crossed the finish line we had some good speed and it felt exhilarating.
So, once again, the coast has been conquered! A big congrats to my fellow 65-miler, David and to my Dad, brother and nephew who successfully completed the 25-mile ride. Great job everyone!
