Sea Gull Century - CycleCentury

decided this would be an enjoyable casual ride, since I was by myself and the day was absolutely gorgeous. Tried not to even look at the computer to see what my pace was - I didn't want to know - just wanted to feel comfortable. Kept track of que sheet the whole time. Followed my plan - except decided not to eat the whole bagel at the first rest stop and didn't eat the bananna (it was only 2.5 hours since I last ate and I couldn't eat it if I tried). Re-filled water and gatorade bottles at each rest stop (powdered gatorade is perfect - I could mix my own - theirs was lime flavored and pretty watered down). potty breaks were perfectly timed - another sign my hydration was spot on.Drafted behind other cyclists when the opportunity arose, otherwise, enjoyed the ride. Met a new friend "Julie" after the last rest stop and road the balance of the 25 miles with her. She had not trained this year and was feeling it in her quads, her back and her neck. I slowed down to stay with her, enjoying the conversation. Great way to pay it forward from my guardian angel who saved me last year :)!!! Oh yeah, I stretched at each rest stop (my head and neck, my chest, my back and my legs). All good!!! used my aerobars and shifted postion of my hands frequently throughout the day. Reminded myself to keep my shoulders and arms relaxed.

hmm.. it was a pretty awesome ride. I can't think of anything

walked bike to side of building and went to gym to get my t-shirt and new jersey. absolutely no problem walking! loved it! I needed water but could not find any - - really strange!!!! hit the ladies room, got my bike and headed back to my car. Needed water - -had a diet coke so drank the coke and drove to McDonald's in Cambridge for quarter pounder, fries and a chocolate milk shake! yum!! very tired on drive home, having a hard time staying awake the last 20 minutes or so.


I wasn't trying to go fast. This was a recreational day of fun.


I really enjoyed the ride this year, no worries about making it back at a specific time. Followed my nutrition and hydration plan, and it was perfect! I was really suprised I couldn't find water or gatorade at the end. Lot's of tents with BEER and food, had to buy tickets. I really needed water, hmm.. odd. Probably would have hung around a little while, but needed to get back home (dog was home alone and needed to be let out after 12 hours) and I was starting to feel tired - due to cough or flu or whatever it is that I held at bay most of the day. Started to sneeze and cough after the race. Might have even gone for the massage if I wasn't a little tight on time. I plan to ride longer rides over the next year, so that next year I can do the century! It was really nice this year, leaving later (8:30 versus 7am) and the fact that there were many more people on the metric course, probably because the second century ride followed most of the metric course. Really good to have more folks around while you're riding - not so lonely. The rest stops were good - not so crowded -especially the golf course stop - -really nice this time. Line to porty pots moved very quickly. Overall, I'm so HAPPY I decided to go on this ride today- -I almost bagged it after last years disaster - -but it turned out to be a beautiful day and a wonderful ride! I tried to nap when I got home, but puppy had other ideas (kept pouncing on me with a new toy every couple minutes). Went to bed at 11pm and was shocked to wake up at 1pm (another night of fitful sleep, with coughing. Took nyquil and slathered chest and neck with vicks vapor rub at 5am - may have had something to do with sleeping in). At least I'm all rested now :)