Course starts downhill and then climbs the first hill. I was huffing and puffing by the time we got to the top. There were some rollers, I tried to accelerate on the downhills from the start. Stopped at first rest stop at mile 11 and had a banana. Turned west, up a stout hill; about a 10% grade. Dropped my chain about halfway up. Put it back on and continued climbing. Dropped chain one more time.

All was well until the turn E after the third rest stop - had to get water there. Big hill. Quads locked up, ended up walking up part of the hill. Next big hill, quads lock again. Walked some more, next 10% grade, quads lock, chain drops, almost don't unclip in time - could have been ugly. Walked a couple of more of the steeper hills and then settled in on some moderate grades. Finally made to rest stop four. Had to get some more water and some cookies.

One mile down, turned to the north. Finally hit the payoff! Tail wind and mostly downhill - tried to mash big gear as much as I could. Averaged about 23-24 for the last 5 miles. Not a big finish line.

Train on more hills.

Pedalled back to car. Put on some clothes, drove closer to Germanfest. Finally got something to eat. Walked around some more.


Not prepared for hills or the strong wind.


Muenster put on a good ride. Finish line was anti-climatic. Food was good at the festival.