Haiii...Taking on a gran fondo has always been on my bucket list, so when I finally decided to do it, I was both excited and a bit nervous. For those who might not know, a gran fondo is a long-distance ride, usually 100 km or more. It’s a big deal for cyclists, mixing endurance with the thrill of exploring new routes. Starting from Sanur at 5:30 PM, I set out on a 100 km journey that would take me through Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua, Sunset Road, Kerobokan, and beyond. I finished the ride back to Sanur around 10:00 PM, tired but thrilled with the accomplishment.
The first leg of the journey, from Sanur to Tanjung Benoa, was a solid warm-up. I felt good hitting the 30 km mark as I passed through Nusa Dua at 40 km. The roads were familiar, but with each pedal stroke, the distance challenge was always in the back of my mind.
As I reached Sunset Road at 60 km, I could feel the fatigue setting in. At that point, you start to question why you’re doing this, but the answer comes when you push through and keep going. Hitting Kerobokan at 70 km was a bit of a mental boost—familiar ground that made the effort feel more manageable.
Covering long distances required not just physical strength but also mental toughness. Each kilometer pushed me to stay focused and keep a steady pace, reminding me of the importance of endurance in cycling.
From there, it was on to Gatot Subroto and Batubulan, reaching 80 km. The night was closing in, and while the streets were quieter, my legs felt the burn. Ketewel came next at 90 km, and I was running on pure determination by then.
Finally, returning to Sanur at 100 km was a mix of exhaustion and pride. I’d done it—my first gran fondo was in the bag. It wasn’t easy, but it was definitely worth it.
For me, endurance is crucial in cycling because it allows you to maintain energy and power over extended periods. It’s not just about speed, it’s about sustaining your efforts, especially on challenging rides like fondos. Building endurance helps you tackle longer distances, climb steep hills, and ride through fatigue, making you a more resilient and capable cyclist.
It’s essential for anyone who wants to enjoy longer rides, explore new routes, and improve overall fitness. It’s about finding the strength to keep going, even when the road gets tough. This gran fondo was a clear reminder of how vital endurance is, and it’s something I’ll continue to work on in my cycling journey.
0 comments