Tour de Tonka - CycleTour

Time is an estimate: this is not a race - it's a ride. There were times where passing was necessary, but I had no problem taking the hills easy. The wind was the worst of it. The weather, temp and sun wise, was the best so far. But the wind was crazy. Head or cross winds the whole first half. Finally turned around after Waconia, but the cross winds were still rough. The last 3 miles were SUPER hilly, at least 3 hills where I used the granny gear. I was not prepared for this distance and is showed. Finished with a stiff neck, sore parts, and very tired.

I need to respect this distance and do more long rides to prepare. The last two years we got in a few long ones, but have been too busy this summer. I really wanted to do the 75 route, but decided not to due to wind. Glad I didn't, because I was pooped. I "could" have, but it wouldn't have been pretty. I was so tired at the end I fell off my bike back at the car! Doh.

Grabbed some pizza and finally ran into Steve (BikerGerb) - the only person that we knew riding who we actually ran into. Which is strange since we usually accumulate a decent sized group of folks.


This is a fanstastic event with many options based on abilities. It is so HUGE that they may need to limit it eventually, or not try to have a mass start (like Ironman does, they have no fanfare). But in general it's really fun, well done, and I can't believe how often then change the route. The rest stops generally ROCK. Do it!!!