Three Weeks Out!

Hey all!

Two weekends ago I completed my 65 mile ride, which consisted of going up and down the same few roads near campus multiple times. Don't get me wrong, it was a blast but I can't wait for some new scenery! I stopped for lunch at Tijuana Flats (tacos are life) and finished up all in about 4.5 hours. I was again plagued with multiple flats but realized they are inevitable, like death and taxes.

Today I completed my first triathlon! Technically it was a Sprint Tri- a 1/4 mile swim, 10 mile bike, and 5k run and placed 4th in my division. I kicked booty on the swim and bike, but my legs decided they were over it come run time. It's events like these that really bring out the best in me. From the outside I am not a competitive person, but knowing that I am capable of more really drives me. I'm not sure if I want to get into the triathlon circuit but I do know that I want to dominate this race next year.

Even though our cross country trip is far from competitive, I will be challenging myself physically and mentally every step of the way. With finals and move out rapidly approaching, I just need to keep my eye on the prize for a few weeks longer.

NIRSA 2015

I have been given the opportunity to travel with FGCU's Campus Recreation Department to the Annual NIRSA Conference in Dallas, Texas. The National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association (or NIRSA) is pretty much the governing body for campus rec departments all across the country. This means that more than 500 colleges and universities are all staying in this beautiful hotel/conference center/campus/city named the Gaylord Texan.

It is yet another example of how in incredibly grateful I am that I can attend these events and participate in these learning experiences. Honestly, who else can just up and leave school and responsibilities for a week mid semester to go network and make connections that will hopefully last long into my professional career?

Needless to say, I am not on the bike this week, although I have my 65 mile ride on Saturday. I may plan to ride in and around Sarasota, FL for a change of scenery. We have been given the task of reading and reviewing articles on affordable housing, some of which have really touched me personally and put more meaning behind this summer's ride. I will go more in depth on that next time, back to business for now! 

Less than 50...

Just two months until it's me and the open roads- and the 30 other incredible people that I get to share this journey with.

I cannot wait for the days where my only job is to get from Point A to Point B in one piece. All of the school work and responsibilities are piling up and the reality that I will be virtually freed from them for 77 days is exactly what I need. Everything about my college experience feels perfect, but my only wish is that I hadn't confined myself to South Florida for so long.

Training has been great, my 65 mile ride is coming up soon and I am a little nervous to tackle that challenge alone. If anyone has any ideas of a good route or some scenic trails, please let me know- I'd love suggestions on a way to spend a Saturday!

An attempt to ride a friend's beach cruiser- almost rode it into the pool.

Spranngg Breakkk

Over break I went with friends from the East Coast on a 6 day camping/kayaking/biking trip in Apopka, FL, which is just north of Orlando. We called it Glamping (Glamorous Camping) because we stayed in a 14 bed dorm with access to bathrooms and showers. And Publix.

The setup was much how I imagine I'll be spending my summer- jumping in rivers in the afternoon, swinging in hammocks in the evening, all concluded by a great meal surrounded by amazing people.

We spent the days riding mountain bike trails- sliding in the sand from weak tread on old tires and riding down central Florida sinkholes.

We also rode in a 40 mile Catrike rally. A Catrike is a recumbent bike, usually with three wheels. Most of these riders have disabilities that prevent them from cycling on regular road bikes. It was incredibly inspiring nonetheless to see these riders cycle the West Orange Trail at an outstanding pace.

One mile at a time

On Friday I planned a mini, 10 mile ride to a local park and back. 3 miles in and something felt abnormal, only to look back and realize I had gotten my first flat. After the roomies dropped off my patch kit, I was back on the road. 3 miles later I was exploring said park only to glance at my back tire and see yet another flat tire. The sun was setting on an already difficult week and I felt discouraged and defeated.

I set off again this morning to complete my initial objective. Along the way I met a rider named Courtney. He taught me how to draft (which is secretly terrifying) because it requires you to stay 6-12 inches behind another rider's back tire. He had a 50 mile day planned so I extended my ride a bit because I was still feeling great after 10. We parted ways and I confidently finished a 19 mile morning. It may not have been in great time but the mindset I was in was extremely encouraging.

There were a few points in the ride when I just sort of 'got it'. Even now, in between homework assignments, I can't help but think about my next opportunity to get on the road. My legs will definitely feel it tomorrow but it's just another reminder that I'm one day closer to starting this journey!

I attached my GoPro to the handlebars and set it to take 1 picture every 30 seconds- the result is Southwest Florida at its finest

T-Minus 96 Days

Hey Readers!

So this is it- THE blog. I've never really journaled or blogged before so please cut me some slack (it might not be up to Alex's Expectations). I will try to do the best I can because I really want to share the details about my upcoming Bike and Build adventure with everyone!

My new Giant Defy 2 road bike was shipped home two weeks ago and the assembly began almost immediately when I walked in the house. It's the men's version of the Giant Avail because #tallgirlproblems.

Once it made the journey back to Fort Myers, I installed the clipless pedals, trip computer, and saddle bag in preparation of my first ride. Clipless pedals are designed for riders to clip in and out of with certain cycling shoes. The advantage of these are that cyclists can utilize more of the rotation- you can push down and pull up on the pedals because you are snapped into the bike. The disadvantage of these pedals are that if you are clipped in and start falling, you must unclip or you WILL fall with the bike.

I took my first ride to CVS just a few days ago. It was a quick 7.5 mile trip, the perfect length to adjust to the bike's mechanics and riding in a bike lane rather than on a sidewalk. The seat is surprisingly comfortable (I say now) but I'll let you know after my first century ride (completing 100 miles in a day)!

Arm Sleeves. I also purchased arm sleeves.