Two Weekend Accomplishments

Two weekend accomplishments will have some impact on my cycling, one short-term, the other longer term.

Saturday I once again donated blood.  Some of my friends suggest that this should not be done while riding as much as I am.  For me, that’s like saying that I can’t let cycling affect any other part of my life … sorry, cycling is important, but it’s not that important.  Donating blood is part of what I do that makes me who I am.  Completely ignoring that advice, I also tried an absolutely crazy approach.  I donated “double reds”, which means that I gave two units of red blood cells (you know, those important oxygen carrying cells needed to climb hills and go fast).  I’ve previously blogged about donation of blood and riding, but that was about donating one pint, not two!  I’ll let you know the perceived impact on my cycling as the days go by.  This is the accomplishment with short term impact.

The other accomplishment was to join RUSA (Randonneurs USA) and DC Randonneurs.  Both the national and regional clubs promote randonneuring, “long distance unsupported cycling”.  From the RUSA website:

This style of riding is non-competitive in nature, and self-sufficiency is paramount. When riders participate in randonneuring events, they are part of a long tradition that goes back to the beginning of the sport of cycling in France and Italy. Friendly camaraderie, not competition, is the hallmark of randonneuring.

Many of the SPP members are members and participants (about half of the active members) in these groups and the rides.  The shortest randonneuring rides I know about are 200k (~125 miles) and the longest are 1200k (757 miles).  A popular series of rides is the R-12, which is at least one 200k ride in each of 12 consecutive months.  One SPP member completed her R-12 this weekend at the Flatbread 200 and two other riders will complete their R-12 next month.  One SPP member has completed 35 consecutive monthly rides of at least 200k (but some of those have been as long as 1200 k).

I’m not sure I’m willing to attempt the R-12 with its demands on my time just yet, but I’m looking forward to my first 200k in the coming months.