u/Gupyaaah

Though I've done a few 100s as part of events or group rides, a solo 100K remained undone. It was always like a huge wish when I started cycling almost an year ago. Seeing such posts here was always an inspiration for me and I always wondered about the time when I would attain the skill and strength to pull it off.

I kinda made it a personal goal to do atleast a 100km ride every month this year, and so far every month had some event or the other so I ended up automatically doing it. But I didn't sign up for anything in April, so it was kind of a "Fine, I'll do it myself" moment(Tbh saw it more like an opportunity). Also bergamont was doing this 100km challenge as well so that gave me another push.

I had a few routes in mind, but what is a summer without the ocean and beach. Besides it's been a while since I last went to the beach so you could say I kinda had the calling. Decided I'll go to Alappuzha dist since it's pretty much the bicycle district of Kerala, found it more apt for my first 100k. Another reason was that I thought I'll make it a bit easier on myself by avoiding elevation on my first solo 100 adventure.

The biggest worry for me was the sun, the summer has been crazy this year so I started off early(before 5). I maintained a steady pace without pushing myself too hard and kept myself hydrated. I took a break around the 25km mark, did some stretches and head towards my destination. Under 45k mark I reached the beach around 7:40. I ended up spending more time than I was planning exploring and taking lots of snaps. A beach bridge was under construction, I tried a little bit off offroading but my tire sunk in a couple of places and almost slipped and fell so I gave up on the idea. After this I fueled myself with a breakfast, head to the second beach for more snaps then I started back home. I was blessed with a slightly cloudy day so the sun didn't bother me as much. I stopped in one petrol pump maybe around like 60km mark, refilled my bottles and used a packet of ORS (which I didn't end up consuming much though). Rest of the ride was pretty smooth sailing, and I found myself being not too tired so I tried to pushed myself on a few strights. Just under 8km from my home I treated myself to some juice and reached my home close to 12pm.

Over it was a very fun ride, and it was a lot less taxing on me than I was imagining it to be. (The kinder weather on the particular day did play a huge part). Hoping to do more of these but I think this particular ride will always have a special place in my heart.

Bike: Bergamont Helix 1.5i