Dripping wet, I jogged to the transition zone and planted myself next to my bike. I quickly dried off my feet with a towel, put on my socks and shoes, and strapped on my helmet.
I took my Cannondale bicycle and headed for the starting station of the bike ride and away I went.
My breathing was heavy and my heart was racing. The beginning of the bike ride was going smoothly, I was continually passing bicyclists through the streets of San Luis Obispo. Very quickly, I found myself on Orcutt Road and knew I was going to be in trouble. Orcutt Road is not flat. The road continually goes up and down for miles with steep up and down slopes.
By this time, I have realized that the bike is probably the weekest part of the triathlon for me and these steep hills were going to be a problem.
On mile 3, I approached this huge hill and thought I was going to have to get off my bike to walk it up the hill. I resisted the urge and continued to peddle strongly until I made it to the top and coasted down the hill. For 15 miles it was a long bike ride going up and down hills and I was getting passed by many bike riders, but I think all in all I passed just as many bike riders as who had passed me.
Nothing made me happier than to reach the transition zone. My legs were tired from pedalling and I was starting to think eating a breakfast burrito before the race was not the best idea.