I don’t know if I liked that?

Was it worth it?

Given that it cost me $0 and I still have all my teeth, yes. Yes, it was.

The start was exciting yet terrifying. Gabby wanted us to go at the very front of the start line, using the logic that it would be easier to be overtaken than to weave around slower riders. For the first ten minutes, I was going 40, sometimes even 45 kilometres per hour in this huge swarm. I don’t think real-world racing is for me.

The swarm began to thin out around Metchosin, leaving Gabby and me within a cluster of about 15 others. I think she tried to get a rotating paceline going, but I don’t think all the riders were familiar with how it worked. Part of the 160km route included a gravel section, which shouldn’t have been a big deal, except Gabby crashed at the end of the gravel section, turning left onto Rocky Point Road. Major bummer. Several people from our group stopped to make sure she was okay, including me. I lingered behind in case she wanted to continue, but that was it for Gabby’s tour of Victoria.

And that’s how I did the remaining 100km “alone”.

My gut was not ready for all that sugar. I cramped up after three energy gels. I ended up stopping at one aid station (there were 6 in total) to refill my bottles and non-sugary food. They were offering more gels (ugh, no), and energy waffles (no more sugar, please). I got excited when I saw a pile of bread. Upon closer inspection, the bread was slathered in peanut butter (ugh, no). Then, I found a tray with chips in muffin liners. Ruffled plain potato chips.

THOSE CHIPS WERE A GODSEND.

I remain bonk-resistant; however, I experienced metabolic overload on one of the climbs. My quads started throbbing. Had that continued after cresting the hill, I’d have had to flag down one of the broom wagons.

Observed misfortunes:

-a guy yakking up in the bushes

-a concerningly large pool of blood on the road

-three ambulances with the sirens on passing by

-a rider sitting on the side of the road, bundled up in a Mylar blanket

I was missing the feeling of triumph as I rode under the inflatable finish arch. I limped through the scores of cyclists who mingled on the BC Legislative lawn to drop off my bike at the bike valet, then stood in line for my free soy burger. There, I found Daniel at the end of the lineup on the other side of the food station. He’d only decided to register for the 100km ride with a friend 4 days ago. Finally, I had the satisfaction of eating a real meal and people to share my experiences with. I couldn’t resist making fun of the guy who sat a few chairs away eating his burger while still wearing his aero helmet.

“I bet he did the 30km ride.”

Would I do the 160km again? I don’t know. Good thing I have a year to decide.