Last Sunday, I finally completed my first 100 km biking challenge — actually, it ended up being more than 120 km! It was a real biking adventure with a group of friends, most of whom are experienced cyclists. Before this, my longest ride had been only 50 km, and I nearly gave up that time because of the unbearable heat. Luckily, this time the weather was perfect — cool but not cold, sunny but not scorching — the ideal day for a long-distance cycling experience.

From Commuter to Cyclist

One of my friends planned the route and logistics, and we simply followed her lead. To be honest, I had never considered myself a cyclist before. My bike was mainly for commuting, not for fun or challenge. But after this cycling adventure, I started to see it differently.

Pre-Ride Nerves and Forgotten Gadgets

I woke up at 5:30 a.m., thanks to my early-rising habit, but nerves quickly kicked in. I worried about flat tires, injuries, and everything in between. To make it worse, I forgot my Garmin watch — the one I got to celebrate finishing my Hokkaido marathon. That meant relying on my phone for tracking, which added constant battery anxiety. It’s funny how before any big challenge, your mind works overtime to stress you out. You know it’s normal, but it still feels awful in the moment.

A Rough Start in the City

The early city ride was miserable. Most roads had no bike lanes, forcing me between sidewalks and car lanes. Without a phone holder, I kept stopping to check directions. My sense of direction is terrible, so what should have been a 10 km warm-up turned into nearly 20 km. At one point, I seriously considered giving up before the 100 km biking challenge even started.

Finding Motivation and Momentum

When I finally met the rest of the group near the trailhead, everything changed. There was a live cycling race happening, and seeing the racers gave me a huge dose of cycling motivation. We started riding together — five of us, all at different levels, but united by the same goal. My friends had professional biking gear, while I had just my regular setup and determination. Still, I managed to keep up.

The Mountain That Tested Me

Then came the mountain. It was pure torture — an 800-meter climb that pushed me to my limits. I had never done real uphill riding before and didn’t even know how to use my gears properly. Thankfully, one friend stayed with me the entire time, teaching me and motivating me to keep going. His patience made all the difference. Reaching the top felt unreal, and the downhill ride that followed was pure joy — wind in my face, freedom in my heart, and a deep sense of pride.

Lessons from the Road

This first 100 km biking challenge taught me more than I expected. Life is a lot like that ride — we often feel unprepared or afraid, but if we keep pushing forward, we find strength, beauty, and joy waiting at the top. That single day made my entire week meaningful. It wasn’t just about distance; it was about mindset, endurance, and rediscovering what I’m capable of.

Thank you, life, for the challenge, the struggle, and the breathtaking views. This biking adventure made my whole week — and maybe my whole year — count. Here’s to the next ride, wherever the road leads.