This past Sunday, I roped Coco and my friend Rachel, into joining me to ride part of the Reston Century bike course. We opted to do the 35 mile half metric course mostly because none of us felt trained for the longer 65 or 100 mile distance. The ride starts in the Reston, VA town center and heads west into the towns of Herndon and Ashburn, VA.
The century ride is an untimed bike course that starts at your leisure which is a major plus for me. The fact that it is untimed makes it so much more relaxing an enjoyable. The Reston Bike Club does an amazing job of supporting the ride with multiple rest stops set up with food, water, bike maintenance and porta potties. The cold watermelon slices hit the spot for sure.
Turned out to be a beautiful day with a little cloud cover to keep us cooler. Heading west on the W & OD trail we encountered many other cyclists and even a couple of horses. The first 10 miles were pretty flat and then as we entered Ashburn (near Washington Dulles airport) the course picked up some nice rolling hills.
I always get a little nervous riding on the side of busy roads and hearing the cars coming up behind me. We only had one instance where a driver was a little aggressive towards the bikers.
Before we knew it, we were on our way back at the finish logging closer to 40 miles. Oops! We had a slight detour due to our map reading skills. After about 2 1/2 hours of biking, we all were starving and rewarded ourselves with a nice lunch at Bar Taco. As you can see, I did not hold back because when guacamole is involved I am there to represent.
Sassy Cyclist
I was generously given this super cute bike jersey from a new female owned, local business Sassy Cyclist. I was immediately impressed by the quality of the jersey. It is super soft and sweat wicking. I remained cool and comfortable on my ride with temps in the upper 80’s. In the past, I’ve had trouble finding a jersey that was cut to accommodate my chest and still fit my lower half. The feminine cut of this “Queen of the Road” jersey was perfect and true to size. I felt very fashionable too in this bright design.
With 2 large pockets in the back and large reflective striping, I felt safe and comfortable. I will be putting the long sleeved jersey on my holiday wish list for sure. If your in the market for a new jersey, check out Sassy Cyclist’s unique fun designs and use code: FREESOCKS816 for a free pair of socks with your order.
This was a great way to end the summer biking season. Any last events for you this summer?
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Congrats on a great race! Cool that you could get the support without the stress of being timed and love your new jersey! So cute.
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Thanks for the reminder!
I would have ridden this with you guys! Sounds fun. And I LOVE that jersey. Isn’t it great that so many companies are coming out with cute feminine cycling clothes?
I know you would have loved the ride! I love the new jersey options that are coming out lately and I would highly recommend this one
Oh, I didn’t realize the ride was untimed and that you can start at your leisure. That is a plus 🙂 The top is really cute! I was thinking that as soon as I saw the first photo so I’m glad you mentioned where you got it.
Yes I love that it is untimed! The jerseys are so cute check them out
Open road biking scares me. Glad that most of the drivers were good for you.
And you definitely earned that guacamole.
Open road biking is not usually my preference but with so many of us out there I felt safer.
I seriously love seeing all the fun activities and the variety of what you do on your IG. I need to get on my bike!
Ah thanks! Too bad you live on the other side of the country or I would get you out there with me
I love that jersey and I think the idea of reflective striping is brilliant! It sounds like you had a great ride, even with the extra miles. 🙂 It makes me want to get back on my bike!
Thanks! I do love my bike and it’s fun in the summertime for sure to mix it up
This looks like a lot of fun. You look great in that biking outfit 🙂 Way to go.
It was tons of fun and love to find new reasons for new fitness gear
Aggressive drivers aside (grrrr) this looks like so much fun!
A great way to spend and afternoon with friends
I love that the course isn’t timed- that is really cool! And you are totally rocking that bike jersey!
What a fun event to round out the summer with! I love the signs- so fun!
It was a great way to end the season with friends
What a cool event and to enjoy it with friends makes it even better!
I love the girly jersey you got too! It look amazing on you. I’m going to have to share this with my friend Holly!
I have a cool event coming up in a couple weeks, unless my hubs backs out (fingers crossed he doesn’t) It’s a running and kayaking race. Called the Yak a Du. I’ve never done anything like it so it will be fun.
That sounds like it is so much fun! Can’t wait to read about it
Sounds fun! Wish I’d been out on the trail to cheer you on. Your new jersey is super cute! If my husband has it his way, I might been looking for biking gear in the near future.
Now that is exciting! Maybe I can keep up with you on the bike and we can meet up for a ride.
How much do you love that the business is called the Sassy Cyclist? I would totally name my cycle shop that!
Oh it ‘s a great name I totally love it!
Sounds and looks like so much fun! Great way to end the summer and spend time with friends. Love the outfit too!
Such a nice end to my summer indeed
This sounds like such a fun ride! And I love the jersey!
Thanks it really was a fun day and always love to find an excuse for new fitness gear
Congratulations on a great race! That is a cute jersey! My next race is this weekend the VA beach rock n roll! Hopefully it won’t be too hot!
Looks like it is going to cool down this weekend good luck!
I love that this is an untimed ride! I’ve wanted to get into cycling, but entering timed events intimidates me because I’m so new. I would love something like this near Boston.
OH I am sure they have similar rides there! Hope you check it out don’t be afraid-It’s just like “riding a bike”
ONE OF MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE things to see is fellow bloggers hanging out with other bloggers! Seriously 🙂 Some of my best of friends are fellow bloggers – HELL YES to the blogging community!
That cycling jersey is seriously so cute!!
How fun! Looks like a lot of fun and love that shirt!
What a cute bike jersey! After 40 miles, guacamole is well deserved 🙂
Naturally 🙂
sassy indeed! love your cycling gear and those meals look amazing.
It was a great day!
I’m so glad you got me out of my comfort zone! I think that was the first time I actually saw a horse on that part of the W&OD! That shirt really was great!
It’s kind of cool that people still ride horses on there isn’t it?!
Before I got to the bottom of your post I made a mental note to tell you how cute you looked in that top! Very nice and a nice way to end the summer! and what is 5 extra miles on a bike anyway? hehe 🙂
Ah aren’t you sweet! I would rather go an extra 5 on a bike than on foot that’s for sure
Last events? Living here in Az. we are anxiously waiting for Sept/Oct so the events may begin! I love century rides…have done many many many! (for time)
I am looking forward to fall events and hopefully not sweating as much 🙂
Love it! I wish we had more open rides like that around here. Maybe I’m just not looking in the right places.
I’m so glad you had a great experience, and I love the singlet! Super cute!
Check with some of the bike shops they may have advice for you
looks like a fun time! i so need to get back out on my bike but it has just been too hot for anything lately. this fall! i promise. you remind me how much fun it can be!
Fall is a great time to bike just not at those crazy hours you like to workout 🙂
That lunch at Bar Taco looks awesome! You more than deserved it after that bike ride!
OH it’s so yummy!
that reflective stripe is a neat idea!
It’s a great addition!
Congrats on the race, and for looking fabulous while doing it! That jersey is too cute. Checking out their site now.
OH great I think you will like them! Super comfy
Live the Sassy Cyclist style. I joined Cyclebar a few weeks ago. Maybe it’s my first step toward outdoor cycling events. Loving it!
fun! yes a first step indeed enjoy
that race sounds awesome!! i’m not much of a biker but more of a runner. but it sounds like you had fun since it wasn’t timed 🙂
Yes doing an untimed ride is the way to go for me
Your race outfit is super cute! Way to go on an awesome race – a leisurely untimed race sounds like a brilliant idea!
Definitely! Thanks
It was a nice ride. I and my friends who love running sometimes take a hiking together. I can not only spend good time with my friends but also do my hobby. Guess that you will agree with me. Wish you guys well and happy.
Nice cycling jersey 🙂
That jersey looks great! I’m sure my wife’s going to love it!
Great I hope she does!