I wrote in my earlier blog post about my first 100km ride. Exactly 2 months back I completed my first-century ride. It was an amazing experience. Next day Pune administration declared 10 days lockdown to control the spread of COVID-19 virus.
During this period, I was off-road and did not ride for a week. 5 days after the ride I got severe back pain and it was unbearable. I was wondering if it’s because of the 100km ride or because of some other reason. On top of that Corona cases were on rising and thoughts were crossing my mind. Like anyone will do, I also googled about back pain and COVID symptoms…hahaha that’s but natural.
I spoke to my fellow cyclist friend, Sumit, he gave some remedy. It gave me temporary relief. Consulted a doctor friend over the phone, he suggested some tablet and assured me it’s not related to Corona. But still, it did not help much, 2-3 days passed and the back pain was not easing. On the 3rd night I had a fever, then I was scared like hell. I finally went to a nearby doctor and consulted her. For the first time I checked my oxygen level etc. Everything was normal. She gave some medicines and vitamins and asked to observe for next 3 days. Concluded that it is due to an exertion.
You will be wondering, why am I writing about my first 100km ride and its aftermath. Will tell you at the end of the post, in riding tip section.
Coming back to the Tour de Shikrapur
After all this happened I thought I will never ever go for a 100km ride. For almost 2 weeks I did not ride and then started with small stints and then ride to Kundamala, Khadakwasla etc. Our cycling groups everyday target is always more than 30km and nowadays they are not stopping below 50km.
Starva Challenges
Starva is giving some challenges – September cycling challenge – ride a total of 600km. Sumit & Ritesh are doing 50km daily and this month I accompanied Sumit for 2 times, there is another challenge September Grand Fondo, 100km cycling (indoor or outdoor) in a day. I guess this was the reason today’s ride was planned for 100km which I happened to join both of them.
Ride Day
As a usual wake up at 4am, check the weather, make a cup of black coffee, ping the group leader if the ride is On, get on your riding gears, check bike accessories and meet at the apartment gate. I was late by 5 mins, so we started at. 4.35am.
Route
I had no idea which route we were going to take, so follow the leader, Sancheti Hospital, New Sangam Bridge, Viman Nagar, Wagholi, Nagar Road to Shikrapur. By the time we reached Phoenix Mall which is approx 20km, I started feeling of abandoning the ride and return home.
Ritesh, who usually rides much ahead of us was accompanying me and kept talking to me about various things, which kept me engaged as well as motivated to go along. On Nagar road, for the first time, I noticed defence establishment with the name “Dunkirk Lines” I have been to Nagar road so many time and never saw it, that’s why I always say, cycling lets you see the world differently. I am now wondering why it has been named ‘Dunkirk Lines’, I have seen the movie Dunkirk and read about the evacuation of allied forces from the French beach, what is the connection here?
Destination, Return Route & Countryside
We paddled constantly for 2 hours on the Nagar road and finally reached to Shikrapur junction at 6.38am. Shirakpur is not a tourist place, it is approx. 50km from our house. It connects Chakan to Nagar Road so makes a perfect 100km circle for us. We decided to take the return route from Chakan. It’s not a highway, small road which passes through many villages and connects at Chakan.
I love riding the countryside, I have grown in a village surrounded by greenery, river & canal. It is peaceful, open, lush, quiet mountains & fresh air. The road reminded me of my village. Both sides of the road were lush green farms, potatoes, cabbage, jawar, green vegetable farms. Cloudy mountains weren’t too far. I was enjoying the return ride.
Are you ready for your 100km ride?
Cycling is the most physically demanding sport. Cycling for more than one hour requires your body to be accustomed to it, after two-three hours of cycling some of your body parts will be sore. The last hour which is the fifth hour will be like hell on earth if you have not build your endurance with regular practice rides before the 100km ride. Usually, my last 15km are like that, so I take breaks, hydrate myself often, and today I learnt from Guruji again, sit Indian style for a few seconds to rest your legs. During this last hour, only your willpower can take you to your destination.
How to prepare for 100km ride?
- For beginners, I will recommend starting with 10km a day and gradually adding 10km per week, which will build your endurance for the long ride.
- Most of us buy bikes without doing proper research, choosing the right bike size is very important and setting it up for your comfort is most important. Saddle height along with handle height plays a very important role for having the right ride posture, if the posture is incorrect you can have similar back pain as mine. My bike is L size but the company fitted handlebar was lower during my first 100km ride, due to the wrong posture I had that back pain. I got the adjustable stem fitted to my bike which elevated the handle and corrected the riding posture. So have your bike checked with the expert before you go on a long ride.
- Your clothing also plays a very important role in the success of your long ride. You must invest in good quality bike shorts with chamois. After a few hours in the saddle, you will feel tired, if your shorts are of poor quality, you will feel heated & may feel lower back pain.
- For more tips, refer to my earlier blog post
During this Covid-19 pandemic, following all guidelines such as physical distancing, wearing face cover while talking or during stops, not going through crowded areas is very important. Carry you snacks and avoid eating outside.
Nice….Rahul
Good to see your sporting and adventures physic.
Keep it up………..!
My bike is L size but the company fitted handlebar was lower during my first 100km ride, due to the wrong posture I had that back pain. I got the adjustable stem fitted to my bike which elevated the handle and corrected the riding posture. So have your bike checked with the expert before you go on a long ride.
Can you share more Details on this ?
Hi Mohit, Are you looking for any specific details? Here I was talking about handlebar & saddle adjustment to suit a right riding posture. Handlebars that are too wide or a stem that’s too long can cause stress on the upper back. My bike came fitted with non-adjustable sports stem which was long & positioned lower than the saddle. To have the right riding posture I replaced it with an adjustable stem which helped raise handlebar which suits the riding posture.