This was my first organized century, so I didn't know exactly what to expect. I arrived about 7, got my bike and gear set up, and followed the crowd to the start line. Actually, I never saw a start line, but when I found a reasonable location, I just kind of went with the flow. It was a "show and go" start, so no packet pick-up or anything to worry about.

The first 60 miles or so were great- the course is flat, and after a little rain at the start, the weather settled down, except for a pretty strong wind. Over the first 60, I was averaging about 21 mph. Then once we turned around after the stop on Assateague Island, it was nearly constant headwind for all but about the last 5 miles. Pretty painful, especially without a paceline to follow. Average speed over the last 40 was much slower. However, the apple pie at the 84 mile rest stop was definitely a highlight. Who would have thought?

There were apparently 7,000 people doing the event, but it didn't seem too crowded, except in a couple of spots. Overall, I enjoyed it and would do it again- I was using this as an IM training ride, but it would probably be more fun to ride with a group next time.

The course was a little short, at least according to my GPS, so I did a little extra at the end to hit the 100-mile mark.