the summer sessions: season three, sessions 21-30.
a few years ago, i decided to do this little project named, “the summer sessions.” it was basically started for me to push myself to the max on my bike during the summer time. the summers in south carolina can be pretty brutal: 100+ degree heat index, winds from hell, a downpour out of nowhere...
this year, i wanted to change it up a little and push myself even further. how i did this was through a little thing called a “century ride.” technically, a century ride is 100 miles or more in 12 hours or less. the initial goal was to do one every weekend. after doing the first, i knew the weekly goal was not going to happen. then i thought maybe bi-weekly...nope. and once a month wasn't going to cut it. so, i just decided with an even 10. i came close, but it still didn’t happen either.
summer officially started on june 21st and ended on september 22nd. these are the summer sessions recorded (daily commutes, fun rides, events, etc. are excluded):
session one: the ghost bike tour + century ride I 101.2 miles
session two: battery2beach + century ride II 101.6 miles
session three: rockville + century ride III 101.2 miles
session four: bike asheville (days 1-3: 71.8 miles (6,399 feet in elevation made up for the miles)
session five: lake moultrie + century ride IV 115.4 miles
session six: edisto island and beach + century ride V 117.8 miles
session seven: daniel island + century ride VI 101.7 miles
session eight: francis marion national forest + century ride VII 130.4 miles
session nine: TNBR ride 51.7 miles (though not a century ride, it deserved a spot. fucking fantastic time with great people)
session ten: folly beach finale 52.8 miles (this was spur of the moment, plus a test ride without the camelbak i usually wear. i was nervous.)
the reason i did this blog is because i recently came across my notes app and found something i typed before summer started. i can tell i was already hyped to start. this is my manifesto:
I. go somewhere new. there are many small towns and cities in this state. venture out; explore them all. try not to do past summer sessions. if you do, make them “extended versions." never go over the same route twice: once you get to your destination, go on a different route on the way back home. try not to cross the same path, unless absolutely necessary. i.e. only one way out. once again: explore.
II. sunrise to sunset: the summer sessions can last for hours at anytime. early to rise to avoid traffic. late to start to beat the heat.
III. use strava and take a picture. no one is going to believe how far you’ve gone unless you have proof. show them how crazy you are.
IV. a new challenge: only use harder gears, stand up going over bridges, no booze breaks until after your challenge.
V. a new challenge II: each ride will be a ride a century ride. there may be some sessions where you don’t meet 100 miles, so once you're finished with your session and on your way home, take the longer route to add up those bonus miles. you know you can do it. mind over matter: it’s going to be tough, it’s going to be hot, you will feel fatigued, you will be dehydrated. bike smart. don’t give up. that epsom salt bath and icy cold beer is your trophy waiting for you back at home.
VI. exceptions: each ride by myself will be a century ride; however, summer sessions will also include events: local rides, races, alleycats, etc. that will not be a century ride. have fun with friends, enjoy life, have a good time. you only live once.
reading this now, i pretty much stuck with the plan, with VI being an exception. otherwise, i would’ve had 20+ sessions in my book. 2017 was a great year for cycling. as stated above, i went on some local rides, did a couple races, a couple alleycats, met some new friends, enjoyed life and definitely had a good time.
dededos
baratheonpilled
jacobvanloon
jbbartram-illu
kaledo-art
discoholicmusic