Davis Double Century and "If first you don't succeed try try again"

"If at first you don't succeed, not only try again, but try to learn from your mistakes and try again".

 

This is Penny again, for those that need a reminder Secretariats older sister.  I am proud to say that on Saturday I completed my first double century bike ride in Davis, California.  I had previously attempted the Solvang double in May and bailed at mile 163.  Needless to say I was very discouraged with myself as I knew my body could of completed it but my mind, when it got dark and the winds were blowing me all over the road, said this was not fun.  (well its not supposed to be fun all the time I knew, but couldn't get past my mind in the dark)

After analyzing my shortcomings, I decided I needed to start riding with a club instead of doing all my rides alone and thus joined the LA Weelman and started riding with them on their sat trainer rides for the Double they put on in June.  It was the best thing I could have done, as I was taken out of my comfort zone and started riding the routes the "men" ride that I was intimidated to try.  In doing so I found I was a great climber and although slow on the flats could pass all the "men" on the climbs and end up in front. 

They encouraged me to continue to keep my goal of a double and so I entered the Davis Double.  It was supposed to be a moderate ride good for a first timer. Well, it certainly wasn't a moderate ride, but instead quite difficult with about 10,000 feet of climbing and hills at 9-13%.  I am proud to say that I was totally prepared and at no time did I think I would not finish.  The Davis club is to be commended for their great and awesome support.  They are the reason I could do it.  When it got dark they gouped us in like paced groups which allowed me to feel safe riding at night and to easily keep going.

I'm still not sure how I got into going after this goal but, goals are something I have to have in a sport and so now with my one double behind me, I will move on to achieve the triple crown which is 3 doubles in a year.  I plan to be one of the oldest women to achieve this and set an example for all women that you can do anything you set your mind to.

For me the best thing about this achievement was hearing my brothers voice as I passed the finish line.  Wow to have Tony and Debbie at the finish to share in this accomplishment was my greatest gift and made it all worth while.  I will forever be grateful to them for putting themselves out to wait for me.  Yes I came in toward the end, but I did finish and that's what counts.