Clermont, FL – Hill Training 2

Clermont hills! A hot Saturday morning found the team ready to tackle a bit more mileage in the hills.

The Ride

Saturday was bright, sunny, and hot. At 6:30 am it was already in the mid-70’s. By 8:30 it was mid-80’s. and over 90% humidity.

The TeamOne riders, Jodel, Diana, and Z, started the day off with an ambitious goal of 36 miles. This ride focused on climbing hills, not speed. The training ride was tough. Sugarloaf was one of the hills on the agenda. Taking off from Green Mountain Scenic Trail is always a treat. Music synched up, the team made their way to the first set of hills, anxious to face Sugarloaf.

With the humidity high, and the temperature rising, they hit the hills with a slow climb. Before too long, the uphill view revealed itself. The three made their way up, perhaps a bit slower than they wanted, but making their way up regardless. The descent, however, was anything but slow. At over 35 mph downhill, handlebars shook, every road bump making itself known, and a casualty – a rear camera – snapped right off the back of a bike and bounced off into the grass. The cyclists headed back up the hill to try to find the camera. Sadly, recovery of the camera eluded the riders. Not to be discouraged, they headed back downhill and finished the descent, leaving the camera to its fate.

A special thing about the ride, besides the hills, is the beauty to be found in the countryside. The recent rains brought out the lush greenery. Rolling hills surrounded them. The serenade of salsa music on the playlist helped make the miles disappear quickly. Each climb still became more of a challenge.

Finally, at the midway point of 18 miles, the riders took a break at the Yalaha Bakery. The variety of baked goods overwhelmed all the customers in that bakery. Finally, the riders settled on some deliciousness. Debbie, one of the smiling faces to greet them, served up crusty, fragrant ham and cheese croissants and orange-ginger shortbread cookies. After enjoying the mid-ride snack, refilling water bottles, synching music, the riders hit the road again. The heat and humidity continued to rise. Sweat drenched bike jerseys. However, the only way back was to ride!

Quads were starting to feel the burn. No cramps yet. More hills. The final stretch and Jodel, seeing the upcoming rise, yelled the battle cry “woohoo, Fun is on its way!”. Climb, climb, climb. Finally, the end of the route – the riders made it. Another successful training ride. The goal of tackling the hills made for a fantastic day in the hot summer sun!