Ego Death 1: Penance | Recap
A couple weeks ago we kicked off a new shop ride series in partnership with As Far As I'm Concerned (AFAIC) titled Ego Death. This series consists of four unique epic rides, all designed to invert the paradigms surrounding teamwork and individuality in sport. Check out a trip summary below from the AFAIC team, and keep an eye out for the next edition coming soon:
AFAIC: Is a bike ride truly meaningful if you didn’t lose your sense of self? Ego Death 1 stayed true to its name. The ethos of this ride was to break down the individuality so often praised in cycling by creating a format where full route completion was dependent on working together. This would not be the stereotypical drop-ride that revolved around town sign sprints. Those who showed up would turn themselves inside out to drive the group home, putting their egos aside to benefit the group. [continued below]
The parcours for the ride led us through the California Delta over rolling hills and mid-west style gravel. We had around 40 riders convene at ILE to count their gels and enjoy some coffee provided from our friends at Artís. In the end a unit of only 5 sole riders would complete the entire route...
Starting off, our group navigated through the East Bay before crossing the Carquinez Bridge. Our pace was fast and steady the entire time thanks to a strong showing of riders. Just outside Vallejo we turned off into the emerald hills of American Canyon where the route became sandwiched between a tangle of marshlands and uniform orchards.
A crosswind started to pick up at the halfway point, and with fast miles in everyone’s legs the need for proper pace lining was crucial. As we entered the rural farmlands before Rio Vista pavement dissolved into gravel. The pace was kept full gas, our bikes fishtailing as we zig zagged to find the smoothest line. Despite nearly everyone being on 28c road tires, the gravel section took no casualties other than a few water bottles.
Riding out of Rio Vista after a quick supermarket regroup, the road entered the open marshlands before the Antioch Bridge. Crosswinds returned with deafening speed. Our peloton of 30 strong disintegrated as the wind slashed its way between riders. Bailing out wasn’t an option until Antioch. With protection from the wind coming only from the riders around us, every rider would find themselves pulling faces on the front.
In all the chaos, the sense of security that came from working in a cohesive group was a bonding experience in collective suffering. This windy 10 mile stretch of road would capture the ethos of Ego Death. Every rider was on their limit, committed to leading the group to safety. Some chose to push on through the rainy miles that followed, while others chose to seek the warm embrace of BART. Regardless of where folks finished their ride, Ego Death put everyone through an effort worth feeling proud about and a taste of future rides to come.
AFAIC extends our deep appreciation to all the souls who lost themselves on this gritty day of bike riding. We’re glad everyone had the chance to experience the same collective suffering that bonds the team together. Hope to see you all on the next one :)
