Happy Tuesday! It’s time for another edition of Tuesday Topics. This week’s Tuesday Topic: FREE!. This post will be all about my first PeloFondo experience. Remember to link-up with Kim and Zenaida and the bottom of this post.
As I mentioned in my Weekly Run Down post, I found out about the PeloFondo event in the middle of the week and decided to do it. So while i didn’t necessarily “train” for the event, I felt confident that I could complete the minimum amount of required miles since there was no time limit.
You may be asking – what exactly is PeloFondo? I’m glad you asked!
PeloFondo is a community event for Peloton Riders, focused on long distance mileage. There is no fee to join the event and riders can choose their distance goal between 35 and 120 miles. This event isn’t sponsored by Peloton, so you don’t get a special badge on your profile, but you do get bragging rights 🙂
How did I approach my first PeloFondo?
Since this was my first PeloFondo, I decided to aim for the minimum of 35 miles. Based on my riding history, I figured it would take me 2.5-3 hours to complete the mileage requirement. I’m still working my way through some of the 2021 classes that give badges, so I decided to knock out a bunch of the Black History Month classes from last year.
2 hours and 35 minutes of fun…well sort of, lol.
First I started off with a 5 minute warm up ride to get my legs ready for the event. I decided that my first class would be with Alex because I knew he would have the energy and attitude needed to start off my riding journey on the right foot. I was right and ended up getting a PR on that ride by accident.
Next up was Emma’s 90s ride. I knew the playlist was good so I enjoyed the music and locked into a steady pace. Then it was time for a Fresh Friday ride with Denis. I’ve done a few of these rides and LOVE them because the ride features the original version of a song, followed by more recent song that sampled the original. It’s such a cool concept for a class. Since this was my third ride out of five, I unclipped from the bike and did a few minutes of stretching.
Now it was time for the final 60 minutes of riding. Surprisingly I enjoyed Jess King’s ride, even though I am not the biggest fan of House music. I pushed the pace and resistance for this ride and got a PR, again. I knew I had to close out PeloFondo by doing a class with my boo, Cody. As always, he didn’t disappoint as his playlist featured Black female rappers. I again pushed the pace and resistance on this ride, got another PR, and went slightly over my distance goal. I find it wild that I was able to PR the 30 minute ride distance three times!
Final Thoughts
Overall, it was a unique experience. I’ll be the first to admit that cycling is not my strength, so I was proud of myself for trying this and getting out of my comfort zone. I also had 2 water bottles for the event – one with ice water and one with my Honey Stinger strawberry lemonade hydration mix. I didn’t eat any food while I was riding, but certainly enjoyed a waffle after I was done.
The event takes place every 3 months so I plan on doing it again in April, hopefully beating my time.
Tell me: Have you ever done a long distance cycling event?
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THREE PRs on the 30-minute distance in the same PeloFondo! That’s awesome!
I think it takes a lot of mental strength to keep on restarting for the next ride – I’d be so tempted to just simply stop midway. Well done, Kim!!
Looking forward to your next Fondo in April!
Thanks Catrina – all the PRs were totally unexpected! I know many people selected longer classes (45-90 min) for their rides but i liked having something different every 30 minutes because it helped me from getting bored.
Woot!!! Way to ride, KimTwin!!! I’m so glad you gave me the heads-up on this. My challenge was fighting the wind (hmmm, what’s new, LOL), the cold, and my schedule for the weekend (a Saturday race & time with our daughter). I’m looking forward to April’s ride. Maybe we need a Biking Chic Team?
Ohh – we definitely need a team name for April. I think Michelle is going to join us too!
I think I would be really sore after being in the saddle that long, so kudos to you for taking up the challenge.
And thanks for mentioning the Fresh Fridays — that sounds interesting. Just getting back into a little indoor cycling, although right now just as a warm up for my runs.
My butt was definitely getting pretty sore toward the end. I don’t know how people do 100 mile rides!
Denis has a few of the Fresh Friday classes on demand so definitely check them out!
Congrats Kim! This sounds like no easy task. I have not participated in any kind of long-distance biking event, other than triathlon.
Thanks Marcia!
Wow. That’s amazing. Even when I used my bike it was for like 5 miles. But I do think it’s a great challenge.
Thanks Darlene!
Congrats on the triple PRs! I’m so glad your first PeloFondo was a good experience. You have definitely inspired me to join you for the next one in April 🙂
Yay! Can’t wait to ride virtually in April for the next PeloFondo.
This sounds like a fun and challenging experience! It’s cool that you pushed yourself AND ended up with THREE PRs! It almost… ALMOST… makes me wish I had a Peloton bike and could join you in April. But I’ll settle for reading your next PeloFondo recap.
Thanks Jenny! It was a good way to push myself out of my comfort zone, which is something I want to do more of this year.
It is so fun that you tried this! I have been kind of intimidated to take it on. I might join your for the July one when I am not training for a running event. Remind me I said that! 🙂
I think it sounds more intimidating than it is. Also I love that you can split the mileage over both days if you want.
Oh dang, you cranked out PRs… I did not plan for that during the PeloFondo LOL but so glad to hear that you jumped on the bandwagon and had fun with it. We’ll “see each other” in April again, I guess? 😉
I didn’t plan for either which lets me know that I don’t think I did PeloFondo the right way, lol. I will definitely “see “you in April!
Wow! Well done my friend! Three PRs just like that! That’s quite an achievements and you should be so proud of yourself! Glad there’s another one coming up soon!
Thanks! I surprised myself and that’s always so cool when that happens, lol.
Way to challenge yourself! I’ve never done a Pelofondo but I do know it’s hard work. I absolutely love Denis’ Fresh Friday classes, especially the ones he’s done for Latin History Month. You can tell he really puts in the effort. Way to step up to the challenge and crush it!
Totally agree with your about the LHM Fresh Friday rides. I also love his BHM Fresh Friday rides and I think he may be doing one of those next month so I’m pumped for that.
Congrats on the PRs and on doing this event! I found out too late about this event but hopefully can do it in April Remind me. 🙂 Right now I am doing warm ups and cool downs from various instructors but doing all of Camila’s other classes. I have 49 to go. I started on January 1st so I am making progress. I like the Spanish classes more than the English ones. I do miss Cody though!
I will remind you about the next PeloFondo in April 🙂
Camila is such a fun instructor! I bet you will have a great time completing all of her rides.
Woohoo on the PRs, especially toward the latter end on tired legs.
One year we should to the Five Borough Bike Tour. Very much tour and not race, which I could not do. I need to take all the pics, and snacks
Thanks! It was a pleasant surprise 🙂