Hello, I'm someone who occasionally posts various riding posts..haha
In 2025, due to ankle ligament surgery and knee meniscus surgery, I basically... only booked competitions but couldn't attend them
This time, I felt like I could participate in competitions, so I built up my body and went around Jeju Island with friends
It seems like I'm at a level where I can participate in competitions, so I'm attending all the ones I can
First, the Samcheok GranFondo was very far...
The distance from Mokpo to Samcheok is 540km... driving time alone is 7 hours...
What I really liked about participating in the Samcheok GranFondo was that they deployed many safety personnel and motorcycles in each section
It was nice that there were various supplies available at the aid stations.
However, since there were many downhills, I saw 3 accidents... With wind on the downhill
I saw several people who had falls. It definitely seems like following safety personnel's instructions on the downhill is a must...
And I'm not sure if it's right to say this is disappointing, but there were almost no sections with ocean views... that was a bit disappointing..
And this was the first time I came with my family and participated, so it was a meaningful race.
It's the first time I've taken a photo with my family while cycling. (Thank you JIDA_BIKE)
My daughter had fun playing at the beach...I wanted to take photos with my daughter while cycling like that...
My wish came true.
And the long-awaited Muju GranFondo was today....
I wasn't even thinking about Muju GranFondo, but when they suddenly said on-site registration was available, right after finishing night shift the day before
I went right up without sleeping, so it seems like I rode in very poor condition..
However, the Samcheok GranFondo was difficult due to equipment issues, but this Muju one didn't have those problems, so I'm relieved..hehe
Muju GranFondo deployed many safety personnel and volunteers, so it seems I completed the race safely.
Every time I passed by, they cheered me on and citizens also cheered me on, so it seems I rode very excitedly.
I was also very satisfied with the aid station setup, and I was amazed at how incredibly kind the aid station volunteers were..
The volunteers said things like 'Take one more food~ Here's a water bottle, let me fill it for you.ㅋㅋ'
And the third aid station - I was really surprised. When I saw the grade reach 19%, I was surprised once
Is that the final KOM section? After passing there, what kind of mountain path??? I was surprised entering it.
I'm a big and heavy guy myself, so I can't ride that kind of road..no, absolutely not..ㅋㅋㅋㅋ I got thigh cramps and got off immediately.
I thought if I forced it, I might crash, so I walked and dragged my bike a bit and barely made it to the top.
After that third aid station, I lost all my time on the uphill...
At the end, they took a photo with my record on the screen, so I think I only got that ㅋ
And at the end, I got leg cramps and it was really difficult, but the older guy who helped pull me forward? I'm really grateful.
What I remember about the guy who helped pull me forward is his bicycle-shaped tattoo on his calf - I thought it looked really cool.
And personally, I think the Muju GranFondo medal looks the coolest ㅋㅋ
Somehow I ended up completing both Samcheok and Muju GranFondos this year, so I'm really happy
For the upcoming Yeongsan River and Yeosu GranFondo challenges, I need to train more, and the important thing is not to get injured.
Next time, I hope there will be someone to ride with.
I felt like I wrote without much of a theme, so I was thinking about writing next time, but I think keeping a record like this is also nice
So I'm posting this. I'll post frequently next time too.
Thank you~
