So I didn’t conquer Death Valley the way I’d hoped. I tried to punch it in the face as one of my friends so eloquently encouraged, but I think it was more of a slap — and a weak one at that. I am definitely proud of what I was able to accomplish, but I’m terribly disappointed as well. I think there’s a small amount of “athlete” in my blood, and I can hear it mocking me about what I could have and should have done differently.
But looking back, I’m not sure I could’ve trained differently. The rolling hills of the desert are nothing like what I’m used to around here. The heat is completely different as well. I was burning up as the sun poured over my back, but I didn’t sweat much — not like I pour sweat riding in Alabama summers. And the aridness of the desert is something I completely underestimated. I thought the lack of humidity would be a good thing, but instead, my lungs ached. I spat and sputtered and coughed and choked the entire time I rode. I’ve never needed to concentrate on my breathing so closely as I did in the desert. Even now, a week after the ride, I still feel a slight ache in my chest when I breathe deeply.
I didn’t conquer Death Valley and as far as I’m concerned, I didn’t even come close. So now it’s time for Plan B. I’m going to keep riding and training and next year, I’m going to ride the 100-mile route in Nashville. You see, I have a few advantages with this plan. For starters, Nashville is not the desert and that’s a pretty big deal. Secondly, I used to live in Nashville and still visit regularly so I’m already familiar with the area. Thirdly, JDRF maps the course ahead of time, which means I’ll be able to ride the course throughout the next year and know whether I can hack it. Fourthly, there are no coyotes wandering aimlessly through Nashville city streets, which in my book, is always an advantage. And fifthly, Nashville is not the desert. Wait? Did I mention that one already?
After Nashville, I think I’m going to take on one more JDRF ride. I have no idea where that will be yet, but if I base the decision on breathtaking views alone, it will be Lake Tahoe. Although a certain friend of mine is trying to talk me into the Tucson ride. (Tucson is still the desert so that’s a preliminary thumbs down on that quality). And then the fourth year, after I have three rides under my belt — and two centuries — I will return to Death Valley. I will conquer that stupid desert and this time, I will punch it in the face! Before it’s said and done, I will have that photo from the top of Jubilee Pass with a ridiculous grin on my face.
Oh long, winding and never-ending desert road… you may have been paved by the devil himself, but I will be victorious. You may have won this time, but I will be back and you will be sorry!
Poor, maligned puppy. I think that coyote might be your spirit animal, sent out to give you a little bit of extra encouragement.
You, my friend, might not have punched Death Valley in the face, but you still should be really proud of yourself! That’s quite an accomplishment. I keep thinking about how it would have been impossible to do this ride–or any distance over 40 miles there–myself without carrying multiple gallons of water on my bike (literally!) and it makes me very satisfied with the accomplishment. It’s the hardest thing I’ve done on a bike in many, many years. Your 70 miles is nothing to feel bad about.
With that said, I love your plan!
Ditto what Mr. Mather said – you should be really (REALLY) proud of yourself. 70 miles in the desert might have been like 3000 miles anywhere else.
And now you’ve got us all amped up to come ride with you in Nashville…
I was a little creeped out by that coyote following you… like he wanted to snack on you or something! Aaah!
Failed? Are you crazy?! You made the commitment to be there & then you showed up even though where you wanted to be the most was with your family. That right there is a HUGE win. Then you got on that bike & rode for 70 miles. 70 freaking, dry, hot, coyote-filled miles. I am so in awe of you that it STILL brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. No way is that a fail, baby girl. No way in H E Double Hockey Sticks. You are a ROCK STAR!!!
I’m serious I couldn’t be more prouder of you if you belong to me. I’ve told everyone about how cool you are & how awesome your ride was. My co-worker said he went through a case of water just driving through Death Valley & he had the a/c on. Plus it was only February. He thinks you’re Wonder Woman and I agree. 🙂
I echo all the previous comments…you should be extremely proud. I was so excited to see you at Mormon Point, proud that you had made it that far and even prouder that you were smiling! Even if you tackle Death Valley in the future, it shouldn’t deminish your accomplishment this year. You went from barely riding to covering 70miles at once, in the desert, on a bike named Old Soul. That sounds pretty remarkable to me.
Continue to ride with your head held high!