August 30, 2025

Ouch! It didn’t look too bad on paper, but I should have known I was in for it on the first climb. I had to walk up the hill. It was the steepest grade I have experienced. I cursed the route from the start. There were great moments, but I was more focused on the next cue.

With about 15 miles to go I felt the onset of leg cramps. Eventually I stopped at the beginning of a 5 mile gravel stretch to pound an Uncrustable. All I could hope for was that this road led to the Katy Trail, and it was gonna be downhill. There were a few turns after, but I made it to the Katy, scrapping the rest of the route. My legs were in bad shape. I had to keep going because I knew when I stopped they would Charlie horse. Pushing through the pain, I reached Weldon Springs, and held myself up near the benches. After shaking my legs out, eating a banana and RX Bar, the cramps subsided, and I dismounted. After a quick walk about, I pushed on. There were less than 7 miles left. I was getting back to the car! My hamstrings ached some, but nothing like before.

While I cursed the ride, after further reflection it was kind of fun. I won’t do it again though. My next move is to figure out why this continues to happen. I had more than a liter of water, and 2 bottles with carbs. My oversight may have been electrolytes and calories. I need to be more cognizant of all of the above when riding such great distances, and exerting so much energy.