Strava tastic

Guess what bitches?

I have 51 QOMs.

12 of them really mean something to me,

Several of them are lunch ride hills. 

One of them is on a technical descent.

One of them is on a major climb local climb.

Are you lost?  Let me explain.

Several months ago, I caught wind of an office phenomena: Strava.

I asked what it was.

I was told that Strava was an online community that allowed you to track your rides against other people in the area, "competing" with them and yourself on different "segments."  Anyone could create a segment from a downloaded ride (which was possible via Garmin download or instantly through your iPhone's Strava App).  Some segments were silly.  Other segments had true bragging rights.

At first I dismissed the whole concept.  Why would I want to compete every time I rode my bike?  What good could possibly come of it?  I already felt down about my riding, so the thought of seeing my mediocrity broadcast on the interweb?  Not appealing.

As with all office peer pressure, though, I eventually succumbed.

And found myself proven completely wrong.

The thing about Strava is that even if you're not high in the rankings on a particular segment, you can always strive against yourself to improve.  It also gives you incentives to keep trying when you get dropped (invariably for me) instead of sitting up and pouting.  So what if I didn't make it with the main group, I got a PR on the Willow Climb from West to East!  I got a big ol' CROWN on my ride.  And that, as you are eating your lunch post ride, makes the rest of the day much easier to face.

Strava connects to the inner desire we all have as cyclists to go faster and farther than before.  It allows your solo ride to become, even for small stretches, a race.  With no chance of crashing, no entry fee, and the support of all your riding companions.

This Thursday for example, I will go climb Coe and try to get a personal record.

Maybe even another QOM...

Want to find out?  Follow me here:

http://app.strava.com/athletes/169227