CAUTION: Donuts and cycling don't mix....well kinda

The alarm went off at 545am this morning...a Sunday, the first day of Spring. So how appropriate that today was going to be a day of first. Today I did my first gravel ride, Pastry-Brest-Pastry.  Pedal and Spoke a bike shop in North Aurora hosted this event. The draw was a 60 mile unsupported gravel ride with checkpoints fully stocked with fresh donuts. Hmmm, sounded perfect when my friend Alex sent me the Facebook link a month ago...biking and donuts.

Even though it was the first day of Spring it was 36 degrees and a cold north wind blowing at the start. There were no route markings, only a GPS file I prayed worked on my Garmin, a cue sheet with directions only for the first 37 miles (out/back course with a loop at the top) and a map printed on a bandanna. Yes, a map bandanna. Another first. I had never seen or heard of one of these. I was thinking I could pin it on my back and the guys could tell me where to go. Literally and figuratively.

My group was ready to go at 8am. We decided to head out early and not wait for the mass start of over 200 riders at 9am. The first part of the route was challenging to navigate. It was across a street, through a parking lot, hop the curb, over the grass bridge onto a single track trail which led to a grass trail which got us to a road. Okay, a few miles in and we aren't lost yet.

Soon the nice pavement ran out and we were on gravel roads.We were out in farm country so there was nothing to block the strong north winds. Did I mention it was windy?

Never thought I'd long for a paved road

We were too early for checkpoint #1, #2 and #3. Glad I always have a protein bar with me. Checkpoint #3 was at a church and we thought about praying for some tail winds, but we knew those would be few and far between. We decided to head down the road a bit and then come back to the church in hopes someone would show up. And as luck would have it, they did and with fresh bakery donuts. I consumed one chocolate glazed donut like I hadn't eaten in days. It went down easy but ohhh, did it sit in my stomach like a rock.

Checkpoint #3 - DONUTS!

For years I've wanted to try the Tour de Donuts ride but now I think it's not wise. The ride is a race and you are able to get time deducted by the number of donuts you eat along the way. Officials mark your bib with hatch marks denoting the number of donuts consumed. You are disqualified if you throw up at any time...including when you have to ride uphill past the pig farms.

Anyway, I digress. After the donut consumption was completed we headed back. I was thankful the course function on my Garmin worked like a charm. No way could I reverse the cue sheet directions while pedaling and a rock in my stomach. That requires too many brain cells for me.

The winds had picked up even more and we had a tail wind only for a short time. Lots of cross and head winds. We made it back safe and sound, finishing as we started but in reverse. Onto the grass path, then onto single track, over the grass bridge, hop the curb, through the parking lot, cross the street, and home.

In summary, my list of firsts today:
- First gravel ride
- First time seeing a map bandanna
- First time eating a donut and then biking 25 miles (Note to self. Eat after done biking)
- First time using my Garmin course map and it worked flawlessly
- First unsupported invitational ride (makes you appreciate the SAG wagons, rest stops and Port-a-potties)

It was fun to experience all these firsts and spend the day with Mitch, Kevin and Dan. As for Alex, he chose to drive south to Florida and missed out on all the fun and donuts. I think his penalty should be he having to wear the powder blue and pink event tshirt on our next ride. Insert evil laugh here.

Life is more interesting when you experience new things. So far this year I've been doing just that.

Enjoy the ride,
Sheri