I began distance running after retiring from my full-time work career. Within the first twelve months, I had run two full marathons and 5 half marathons. By training regularly, my speed and endurance increased. I qualified for the Boston Marathon at age 60 in 2004 and ran it in 2005. I re-qualified in 2009 and ran it in 2010. That was my last full marathon. I have completed 13 full marathons and over 100 half marathons. I now do half marathons and an occasional 5k or 10k.
The reason for cutting back is that all of the running required to be competitive puts an increasing burden on my ankles and knees. I wished to stay fit, so I decided to take up cycling. I bought a road bike about 13 months ago and began riding around Austin, Tx where we live for most of the year. I took the bike with me when we went to our summer home outside of Evergreen CO. With its high altitude and steep mountains biking gives one a really nice cardio workout. My longest mountain ride so far was a bit over 44 miles, including climbing Lookout Mountain located outside of Golden CO.
Since starting biking I have been on almost every street in downtown Austin. Last Thursday I decided I would try a new route. Loop 360 is an arc connecting far North Austin with Southwest Austin. I thought I would try it because, driving it, it seemed it would have been a fast ride as there are very few traffic lights. What could go wrong here? The ride to get to 360 is about 7 miles, mostly uphill. Right before you get to 360 there is a very steep downhill with a lot of highway traffic – I had not noticed that on car trips. So, I rode my brakes all the way down to 360 where the real fun began. The wind was blowing steadily at over 35 miles per hour. The posted speed limit is 65 miles per hour (for some reason our elected officials think we are too dumb for the metric system) but no one seemed to be going less than 75-80 thanks to the lack of traffic lights. The combination of the road noise, wind, and constant buffeting from passing trucks made for a miserable ride. I have promised myself I will never do that ride again except for a weekend day with no wind and if they have the road blocked for a a cycling event.
Do you have a least favorite ride you would care to share?
Passing Through . . . . 
I just dream to have a bike…. 🙂 In the past I had… and even in my UK days too… I love ride a bike… to feel the wind of mine… Thanks and Love, nia
That much have been horrible! And scary!
I’ve been wanting to pick up road cycling for a while now that my soccer days are behind me… until someone highlighted the potential dangers I’ve been reluctant. Its just sad thinking someone could get hurt doing a sport and trying to be active!
I have never felt unsafe riding before. I usually stay on roads with bike lanes and avoid rush hour. The 360 Loop is unusual in that while it does have bike lanes, the traffic flow and noise are nerve wracking.
Hi,
Not a very pleasant ride at all, but at least now you know, way too dangerous I feel.
it was.