First Triathlon Club Ride

I finally got to ride with a group of triathletes! There is a triathlon club in Cheonan which I've known about for almost 2 years. It is because I saw Cheonan Triathlon Club office that I decided I'd train in Korea. However, I don't speak enough Korean to really be a part of it. I've been popping my head in to talk--rather try to--from time to time over the last two years. Finally, it is spring! So, I was invited to join them on a ride. I was so nervous all week about the ride. I know that when Koreans do sports they do them very well. I've tried warning them I'm a beginner and slow. I wasn't sure I'd be able to keep up with them. I wondered, "What if they are faster than I am?" "What happens if they leave me all by myself and I'm 25 miles from home?"

When I arrived today, I waited about an hour before all the riders showed up. Pretty typical I guess for Korea. I learned the man I have spoken with wasn't even going with us. That made me even more nervous. The three cyclists who were set to go didn't speak any English. And I learned that they are Iron Man Triathletes! Oh my gosh!!! To make me even more uncomfortable they looked at my helmet like something was wrong and said, "Inline skating helmet!" They lifted my bike and shook their heads and said, "Heavy!" If they only knew how hard I've worked to just have a bike in Korea! When we were setting off and I didn't have sunglasses they were surprised. One of the guys let me borrow a pair of his. I didn't feel so good setting off on this ride and to make matters worse, my bike made a clicking noise.

We set off and I was pleasantly surprised that they were staying with me. Two of them went ahead and one stayed behind me at all times. I am sure they could have ridden faster, especially the guy behind me, but they kept with me. It was so nice! We rode 35 miles today. It was an out an back course. This is the longest bike ride I've taken in Korea. I got to see some beautiful sights. Mountains, blooming trees, and lakes are relatively close to where I live, only 15 miles away! However, if it wasn't for my bike I'd never know it.

It was a tough ride for me. The last 3 miles on the way out were all up hill and a pretty steep grade. It tried my legs and pushed me to my max! I had to stop and rest two times. The last thing I wanted to do was to stop because I knew the guy behind me could have gone faster. But my legs just couldn't do it. When we got to the top I was so relieved. Then we turned around and sailed down the hill. NICE!

If felt so nice to be included with the group today. They ended the ride by saying "See you again." I think that is a good sign! Riding with a club wouldn't be such a big deal in the USA. I've waited almost 2 years for this day. I'm grateful.