I did this event in 2009 and they started all the riders out in one pack. There were lots of mishaps with that. This year we were started in waves. I assumed that wave time was similar to organized ride groups with A pace and so forth so I seeded myself to the B pace wave. I think a lot of people signed up for what they wanted or where their friends were cause I passed lots of people.

It starts off still a bit congested, even with the waves. Still fairly light out cause the sun is just setting. By mile 2 or 3 I have mixed myself into the A wave which started a few minutes (maybe 3) ahead of mine.

Once through the first hairpin turn we have a little climb then through Bryan Park which is part of the half mary course. It was pretty cool cause in order to light the roadway for us through the park there were glow sticks along the road. I call it the Hansel and Gretel trail.

There's a section through some neighborhoods then out Westwood Avenue towards Monument. Most of this was uneventful, but about midway down Monument we pass St Mary's Hospital and some lady was taking a sick child to the ER. She saw the cop at the intersection but thought cause she had a green light to just go. I was about 3 bikes back from the intersection when she did that. Thought the guys in front of me were going to go ballistic.

Little bit of an incline on this end of Monument and now that it's gotten darker it's harder to really see what my speed is, riding totally "nekked" since my HRM is out for repairs. Things we take for granted in the daylight .....like getting the water bottles are a bit more of a challenge. My headlight keeps wobbling all over and I spend half the ride adjusting it.

Anyway, make the hairpin on Monument then I am flying back up the other side. Had a blast. We mixed back in with the short course riders about a mile before the finish so once again there was a lot of navigation to be had to get through the course.

practice some more night rides, it is a whole different feel when you have evening and minimal light to see the gadgets we so often depend on for feedback.

Walked back to my car, didn't take as long this time.


Navigating around poorly seeded riders where it was congested


did not stay post race, I didn't have any friends doing the ride with me to hang out with.