Part II Triathlon

The Bike

The swim had taken more out of me than I had trained for it to. Even Doug didn't realize it would be as challenging as it was. But now it was behind us and the parts of the race we were looking forward to were in front of us.

At the transition area, the first thing I noticed was how it seemed all the bikes were gone. I dropped my goggles and swim cap and tried to dry off, I talked with Doug and breathless we both expressed immense relief that the swim was over. We put our helmets on and our shoes and mounted our bikes. I was in front of Doug but he soon caught up. We started out on the course together talking and riding and being passed by the fast ones that were already beginning their second loop. We saw the kids waiting for us on a corner cheering us on and it pushed us on. The beginning of the course started with a hill. But my legs felt good. We were on an open or controlled course so we were on major roads and soon we had to ride single file instead of side by side for safety. So Doug was in front and soon his lead in front of me stretched further and further. He is a stronger rider than me and I knew he would be ahead. Soon I couldn't even see him anymore, but it was fine. I felt good I was enjoying the ride and there were even people along the route cheering us on. We had to do the loop twice, the ride was 22 miles. The first loop seemed long and as I rounded the park to start the second loop I had this feeling I was dead last. I wasn't being passed anymore and when I looked ahead and behind me I saw no bikers.

I just kept riding. There were volunteers along the route pointing and guiding us along the turns. There were arrows even painted on the road so that we knew where to turn. But. Somehow I made a wrong turn. I sensed something was not right I felt all alone on the road but just assumed it was because I was the last rider on the route. That combined with the rain, the quiet it was a bit disconcerting. My mind was unsettled a bit what if I was really lost?

I rode and rode then I looked to my left and saw police lights at one of the corners and rode toward them. When I approached them I realized they were there to control traffic for the riders so I somehow found my way back on the course. Then I saw another rider and I knew I was right again. But I wondered did I lose miles or make up more? I just kept riding. It wasn't long before the end was in sight and I have to admit I was glad. My right knee had begun to bother me and now felt really sore. Not to mention my bottom was ready to be off that bike.

As I walked my bike into the transition area I expected it to be the last bike back really I did. Then I looked at Doug's spot and his bike was not there, which meant he was still on the loop. Only I never passed him so that only confirmed that I was off the course. I parked my bike in my spot and started the run. All the kids were there yelling and screaming cheering me on. Which helped me start strong despite my legs feeling a bit wobbly at first. But my mind was full of questions. Where was Doug? Was he ok?

All my questions would be soon be answered.

To be continued....