The Phamlee: 2013 Valley Gran Fondo

This year I once again took part in the Valley Gran Fondo but was joined, kind of, by Chelsey. While I did the 162km route Chelsey and her friend gave the 50km route a try; Chelsey has only had her bike for a week and her friend for a month so it was pretty cool for them to give it a go - it helped that Chelsey won a free entry through work!

By all accounts Chelsey had a good ride, they told me about the enjoyment of the ride, hanging around the rest stop and checking things out - they clearly were not concerned about beating a specific time! On the other hand, I was trying to beat my time from last year which I succeeded at doing! Last year I completed the 162km route in 5hr 31 min and a few seconds and this year I did it in 5hr 16min and a few seconds so I whipped 15 minutes of my previous time which I was pretty stocked about.

But much like last year I hit a pretty big wall and struggled at the end. Last year I lost my mojo with 60km to go and this year I lost my mojo at 120km with 42km to go. I felt like I was going to puke and was cursing my bike telling myself I would never do it again. But, once I finished and rested for a bit the feeling of completing it and beating my time of last year helps erase the bad memories on course.

Also, last year I beat the family to the finish line but this year everyone was there and it was pretty cool to see the kids there when I crossed!

For those of you who like to look at data, Dad I am looking at you, I have embedded my Garmin data above the pictures below. If you are wondering about the time difference, the Garmin data does not include my stops for water where as the "official" Gran Fondo time is from when I cross the start line to when I cross the finish line aka "chip time"

Up next I have planned to do Ryder Hesjedals Tour de Victoria in September but will see how much I ride in the next month and see how my head is before I officially sign up for that, stay tuned...But for now, I have posted some pictures of the family from Sundays ride below. Enjoy...