This was a day of firsts for me. First off I never rode longer than 56 miles. So right off the bat I made sure to ride very easy. It was partly cloudy to start and I made up my mind to ride easy, drink every 5 miles, have a Gu every 10 miles, stop at each rest stop and just enjoy the ride. From 0 to 20.1 miles I followed the plan petty well. My rear tire felt a little soft but not bad enough to get off the bike and fix it. A few miles into the ride the wind started blowing. I checked my tires and put some air in at the first rest stop.
-From 20.1 to 36.2 The wind started to build some more and really started to slow me down. I started to get worried since I felt like it was way to early to be feeling this put out. Fortunately, the 2nd rest stop came up just as I started getting down on myself. I had some Gatorade, fruit, and a PB&J and went off renewed.
-From 36.2 to 58: This leg started well I got cruising along but then the rain started. Just some drizzle at first, then the wind kicked up, then a cold downpour with the wind blowing it against my face. It was nasty, but at that point we were in the middle of nowhere and had little choice but to keep struggling on. The sun and rain alternated a few more times. It seemed we were always headed into the wind. My pace slipped to 12-13 MPH. Finally we hung a left and got out of the wind and shortly thereafter hit the next rest stop. Got some more Gatorade and a PB&J and dried off a bit. Listend to a couple of roadies bragging this was there 18th century of the year and blah. blah, blah. Nice folks but no need to brag in front of a rookie.
-From 58 to 72.1: This leg was turning point. After a few miles on a rural highway we turned onto a gravel road for a mile and a half. Once we turned off it I could feel that my rear tire was flat. This would be my first flat tire. No problem, pulled the tire off, got he tire lever out, got the tube off. Checked the rim and the tire, then checked the old tube and found the valve stem was snapped. Now the fun begins, I get the spare tube out and notice something doesn't look right. I partially inflate it and test fit it on the wheel and its too big. About this time someone passes me and stops to see if he can help. He offered my a spare tube but we realized the valve wouldn't be long enough, so he called the SAG van for me. The van showed up shortly and he had a tube that would work and helped me get everything back together. I would like to thank him for not making me feel like and idoit. I got going again and I started moving along pretty well since the wind was finall behind me and I was somewhat pissed at myself for having the wrong size tube in my flat pack. The next rest stop was a short one. I partially refilled my camelback, had a banana and hit the road.
-From 72 to 86.1 Now thing swung in the opposite direction. I started off with a group of riders who were making 19-20 MPH. I sagged off the back but was close enough to follow them. Then a group came thru who mised a left turn, and I hopped on with them. I passed them, they passed me back and we moved ahead of the first group. I slowly slid back as they started to push the pace. A few miles later they had opened up about 25 yards on me, but I noticed I was starting to pull back to them, then i caught them and blew right on by. I looked down and saw I was flying along at 24 MPH 82 miles into the ride(on the flats). Knowing I was about 4 miles from the next stop and there was no point in saving energy with under 20 to go, I let it fly. I blew past 4-5 more people like they were standing still. At 85 miles I was averaging 25 MPH and I was tempted to skip the last rest stop but I had to remind myself this was a training ride. One last rest stop, more gatorade, a banana, and a bathroom break and I was off on the last leg.
From 86.1 to end: Started off easy once again and rode relaxed. Now you start asking do I feel good enough to think about running a marathon after ride longer than this? It lightly rained a bit enough to keep the roads wet. Forgot to check my camelback at the last stop and ran out at 95 miles. That messed with my head for a while casue I thought there was something wrong with the valve and I messed with about everything until I pushed at the reseviour and found it was empty. Guess I drank more then I thought when I was hammering it the previous leg. So I took it fairly easy the last few miles to compensate. My odometer read 105.45 when I reached my car and the cue sheet reads 101.1 from the first road, so I'm going with my odometer. I was very happy about the fact that I never hit the wall and still had energy at the end
Anyway, first organized cycling event, first centruy ride , first time over 56 miles (longest ride by 49.5 miles), and first flat tire. Good time.


Double check my gear before hand.

Got changed, loaded up the car and headed home.


Flat tire/failed to double check I had the rigt sized tube. Wind and rain sort of slowed me down as well.


Event had a 35 mile ride, metric century, and the full century. There were a whole lot of folks there in the morning and I assume most did the shorter rides. Course was well marked. good cue sheet, very good job with rest stops (thanks to the volunteers), and SAG service was outstanding. Very enjoyable event.