Rode the Axel Merckx gran Fondo on Sunday. 162km, 6600 feet of climbing in 42-45 degree heat. Probably the hardest thing I've done physically. The first 92 km was awesome. 38km/h ave speed riding in a group, which came at a price. Because I was so focused on the pace line , and my turns up front, I didn't hydrate for the heat. At 110-115 it went off the rails. A 5km hill at 10-12% resulted in severe quad cramping. 115 was an aid station and I couldn't walk. They had to ice my quads and fill me full of electrolytes. The last 47km still had the big hill and was 27kms of hill climbing. I had to ice at the remaining aid stations to keep riding. My 5.5 hr goal exploded into 7 hrs. Ouch.
BUT still an awesome event. I've never been to penticton and it was a lot of fun. I just need to not be such a dumbass next year.
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