Late Update - May 15th - Race Day
Another late update.
Got up early to get ready for the race. The small hostel had filled up overnight with other riders. Chikako-san's husband gave me a ride to the starting point. He was volunteering to ride the 130 km course as a staff member. I would probably see him out there.
Started off strong. I caught up with some faster riders and continued to pass others. Soon enough we caught up to the A Course riders, who had left 20-30 min before us. One of the greatest feelings was leading a train of riders at 30-35 kmph down the coast line. I was pushing hard, and some friends asked if I could continue that pace. In my mind I wanted to get at least top 200.
Breaking away from the bigger groups, I continued at the speed, with 2 other riders in my course. We hit the climbs, and began to pass the others. I kept my eyes on the guy in the white jersey following up the climbs. This was my mistake. By the time the final climb was done, I felt my energy slip away. He took the chance and took off. I needed energy. Luckily, even on an island, there are vending machines everywhere. I found one, bought a coke, and the caffeine and sugar rush spurred me on.
After hitting the 100 km point and continuing on, I was shocked when staff member well yelling at me "SAN-BAN, SAN BAN!" Third place sounded much better to me than finishing in the top 200! I fought through the last 30 km and finished my first bike event!
Got up early to get ready for the race. The small hostel had filled up overnight with other riders. Chikako-san's husband gave me a ride to the starting point. He was volunteering to ride the 130 km course as a staff member. I would probably see him out there.
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| There was about 3,000 riders present. 1,000 doing the 130 km course. |
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| It's my first bike event. I was so excited! |
Started off strong. I caught up with some faster riders and continued to pass others. Soon enough we caught up to the A Course riders, who had left 20-30 min before us. One of the greatest feelings was leading a train of riders at 30-35 kmph down the coast line. I was pushing hard, and some friends asked if I could continue that pace. In my mind I wanted to get at least top 200.
Breaking away from the bigger groups, I continued at the speed, with 2 other riders in my course. We hit the climbs, and began to pass the others. I kept my eyes on the guy in the white jersey following up the climbs. This was my mistake. By the time the final climb was done, I felt my energy slip away. He took the chance and took off. I needed energy. Luckily, even on an island, there are vending machines everywhere. I found one, bought a coke, and the caffeine and sugar rush spurred me on.
After hitting the 100 km point and continuing on, I was shocked when staff member well yelling at me "SAN-BAN, SAN BAN!" Third place sounded much better to me than finishing in the top 200! I fought through the last 30 km and finished my first bike event!
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| Chowing down at the finish line. |
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| After race dinner. This was big enough to feed 4 people. |
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| Karaoke bar with friends |
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| Chikako-San. Great host at the Green Village Patio House. I had a wonderful time! |
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| Other riders I met at the hostel. |
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