Done! The 33 Hour ride was completed this past weekend Feb 12-14, 2010 and was perhaps the best long ride I’ve ever had in prep for any event i’ve ever done! So much so that I set a new PR by going 21 hours non-stop before taking my first break. My stats are as follows: AHR 89, ARPM 83; Total DST 425 miles; Total Calories expended 9483. 4 Breaks totalling approximately 1 Hour and 15 minutes were taken thus making the end time of the ride at approximately 0715 on Sunday. Break 1 was after Hour 21 and lasted 21:42. Break 2 was after Hour 25 and lasted 16:31. Break 3 was after Hour 28 and lasted 16:07 and Break 4 was after Hour 31 and lasted 16:07. Total time of Ride (including breaks): approximately 34 hours, 15 minutes…remember, end time of the ride will always get pushed back depending on the length and number of breaks taken. In conjunction with this ride, I was awake for a total of 57 hours, which ran from my wakeup on Friday at 0500 until my Sun nap at about 1400 today. You’ll also notice now that times being quoted are going to be in 24 Hour clock format so its easier to understand at what time things are happening during the ride. My best break were breaks 3 and 4 when I simply was able to get some light stretching from Mark and and/or Deb and then “rest” on my back w/my eyes closed for a few minutes, which is characteristic of the many “cat nap” I’ll often make ref to.
While it was noted in many of the previous posts, I was supported by so many who came out at all hours sometimes two and three times to ride and/or crew for me during this ride. This in addition to the countless members at the club who continue to be inspired by our effort. The spin class Sunday morning with Tim was great! I’ve got to be cautious though to not be tricked into jamming with them at a pace that will compromise my ability to sustain my pace for the long haul. The Boy Scouts from Troop 849 also came by and checked in w/me as well as so many other kids and parents, many of whom I exchanged autographs and pics with…….But one moment that stands out is my final two hours. After two previous walls encountered on both Sat and Sunday morning from about 0300 to 0500 or so, I saw many of our key staff coming back for the end of the ride during hours 32 and 33. I was proud to cruise thru Hours 32 and 33 with John Wu, Mike Liskey, Kathy Lewandowski, LuAnn Stec, Leroy Keith, newcomer Jenny Brewer, Alvin and George V on the pace bikes, Marcia and Mark all there to support my finish! If I’ve forgotten anyone, i apoloize but what a site and I was lifted by their spirt and support, which convinced me this crew, many of whom have been with me before, will make this ride a success! Just a very special moment for me, thats all…..
Key things noted during the ride, my calorie burn reflected a much more efficient metabolism of nutrients taken during the ride as compared to previous rides. Simply put, I’m able to accomplish more “work” with less expenditure of calories. I attribute this to the countless hours of training both day and night both on the bike and w/regard to sleep deprivation training. It seems now that I’ve turned the corner, as I so wanted to, with regard to my head being prepared to continue in a state of “ready” despite stopping at 33 hours. And yes, I could’ve continued! Both Sat and Sunday morning saw a tremendous lift in energy ,spirit and genuine alertness which would’ve facilitated a continuation of the ride and which is something I look for at this juncture. In discussing w/the crew afterwards, we attribute this success to my training and conditioning on so many fronts and in anticipation of my “peaking” at just the right time, which is tracking to occur in conjunction with the upcoming 36 and 40 hour rides. In my previous training, I’ve never done such long rides, simply cause my goals at that time were simply less than the 300 hours I’ll face in April. I am indeed proceeing into unchartered waters but with a confidence that the training and the crew will cause us to enjoy success at 300 hours!
Many people came and went during the ride and it is all a blur for me when i look back trying to remember who came when, etc. I do remember Deb D coming back AND bringing two newcomers to the ride experience and who also may want to crew for us! I was also moved by many of my friends and supporters around the world and country who sent me text messages and facebook posts reflecting genuine support. Thanks to so many of you out there who encouraged me…..I also want to thank Bobby B and Hank for coming by at the odd hours to share in some fist pumps and arm waves as the music, now vested in an IPOD, filled the gym. Mark and Bobby also did alot of the blogging for me during the ride, which prompted many of you to respond to our effort. I just appreciate the support from so many.
That being said, I do hope that many out there who support my effort will also remember just who I am riding for and that my effort, albeit extreme, is my commitment to raising money for the Injured Marines across our country and the youth programs of the United Way right here in Illinois! Dont forget that folks and please, if you haven’t done so already, donate generously either by check or simply online at my RideGeorgeRide site…..I need your help now to reach our goal of $200k and we all can do it together! You will hear me reiterate this as we approach my April launch of the 12 1/2 day, 300 hour attempt. Well, its time to eat now and prepare for the evenings rest and an ultimate recovery from the 33 hour ride. I look forward to sharing more with you in the days ahead. All the best, G
