#37 - 200 Km and the aftermat

Yes… That actually happened yesterday. I did my first double century. The idea had been taking a prime spot on my bucket list for a while now, and it felt like it was time to actually try. 200 km in one single day. And if possible, averaging no less then 15 kph, including the stops. I didn’t expect to do that last part, but hey, a guy needs a challenge when riding a bike all day long.

Clearly, it was quite the ride. Following canals, cruising through nature, and navigating a busy city. Maybe next time I should try to avoid doing that in rush hour. Dealing with traffic, and looking for signs wasn’t the easiest. Or maybe, I should ride on GPS next time, instead of following roadside markers that were not always easy to find. Some were vandalized and others were gone completely. Or time and the weather had taken it’s toll on the state they were in. That’s in part why I couldn’t maintain a higher average. Not including the breaks, I dropped below 20 kph. Including them, I only just managed to stay above 15. So yes, I actually did my first BRM on my first double century attempt. At least, if it gets recognized by the organisation. We’ll have to see about that.

Traces of salt

As for the immediate effects this ride had on me… Well, let’s say I was impressed myself. I did the whole ride on babyfood. Those squeeze packs you can find in every shop these days. All healthy and nothing processed. Just mashed up ingredients that are easy to eat on a bike. I filled all my bottles with water and isotonic drinks, and they were all empty near the end of the ride. That’s 2,4 L in the stomach. I didn’t use Oral Rehydration Salts this time, since it wasn’t too hot yesterday. But judging by the state of my clothes, maybe I should have. I can’t say I had this many salt lines on my t-shirt before. Salt I just lost by sweating. Salt my body probably could have put to good use on a ride like this. Lesson learned I’d say. Especially since I could really feel I went deep as soon as I got home.

I guess my body could still cope, as long as the adrenaline helpt it. But as soon as I hit the shower, my body told me to think hard and deep before challenging it again like that. I started sneezing uncontrollably, I started to shiver and I could feel my bloodpressure drop. That last thing I’m getting used to after a workout of any considerable length. The other two were new to me. The

sneezing eventually stopped, and the shivering was cured by a long warm shower and a delicious bowl of courgette soup my wife left for me in the fridge. Looking back at it, I’m not even sure I was cold. I might have been of course. Riding in the cold and dark hours of the day, wearing sweaty, moist clothes, will cool you down in a heartbeat. I just can’t say I ever felt cold while riding. Maybe I should consider bringing a second layer anyway the next time I plan to ride in to the night. I’m sure it couldn’t hurt.

But since all of this started after the ride, and after all, it wasn’t all that bad, I believe it was just the logical effect of pushing myself in a way I haven’t done for a really long time. Even more so, since the day after doesn’t feel that bad at all. Some slightly sore muscles. Some general discomfort. That’s all. I know… It even disappoints me. In a way, I feel that sore muscles are like a badge of honor. It feels like I could have pushed harder looking back. But then I forget about the shivering and sneezing. Those clearly were signals from my body requesting some peace and quiet. Then why are my muscles not acting up? The only reason I can come up with, is the recumbent trike. It must be testament to the seating position. Especially with the finetuning I did over the past months, it feels like the trike has become part of my body. The groundworks were done by AZUB of course, and man did they do a great job. But show me a bike and I’ll show you a modification. Especially a touring or racing bike. As soon as we get them, we start modding them. It’s mostly about performance in my case, and less about the looks. But on the other hand I even bought socks that match the color of my ride. I know. I’m that guy.

The only small issue I have, has to do with the SPD pedals I installed. While they really make a difference in my performance levels, they are also the reason I feel some slight tenderness in the tendons around my knees. Yesterday, this started around the half way point. From then on, I was repositioning myself a little, every time I got that feeling again. Nothing dramatical, but it slowed me down a little. I’m sure this can be remedied by adjusting the cleats on my shoes, or even the length of the boom on my trike a couple of milimeters. Or maybe my knees are just not used to the fixed position on those pedals yet. Future will tell…

To end this post, please allow me to bragg a little:
- I rode my trike for the first time, at the end of march this year.
Today I can say I’m a long distance rider.
- With yesterday’s effort, I’m down 50 kilo’s from my highest weight ever.
I’m also down over 20 kilo’s since I started working out in Januari 2025
- Today, I’m doing things I dreamed of ever since I was diagnosed with diabetes. And even with the diagnosis of my double hernia, I’m doing them much sooner then I ever expected. Anyone who told me I would have progressed this much in such a short time back in Januari, would have been the subject of a full psychiatric check up on my expense. Now, my dreams and plans are bigger than ever.

And most importantly:
IF I CAN DO THIS, YOU CAN DO THIS
Just set your own goals and reach them at your own pace.
Keep them realistic, but let them follow your progress.
But you will reach them if you believe in yourself.