We talked with Tommy the first 6 or 7 miles, then he was gone. Thought about trying to catch up with him, but that wasn't going to happen. Still, felt pretty strong. We skipped the break point at 7 miles. Thought that was a bit odd to have one so early, much more odd that people actually stopped at it.

The first 20 miles went by in a flash. Did the first 20 at 18.8. Now looking at the map, that's when the wind was at our back. It was pretty spaced out, so we were able to do some aero riding. Hit the 25 mile rest stop but figured we'd keep going. Only 10 more miles to the next one.

Now that I look at the map, probably should have stopped. It was only 10 miles, but it was 10 miles dead into the wind. Killed my speed. Took a PowerGel at 27 miles. Tried to wash it down with Accelerade but it was hot and not particularly tasty.

Finally hit the rest stop at 35. Seeing the blue portajohns in the distance was about the best sight I'd ever seen. Stopped for about 5 minutes. The volunteers were great. Filled up one bottle with Blue Powerade (nasty) and ice, then filled up my Accelerade bottle with ice. Made it taste a LOT better. Grabbed a half banana and took a bathroom break. Then it was time to head out again.

After stopping, my legs were very reluctant to get going. After a few miles I got some energy going again (took my other PowerGel, which probably helped some), even playing around a little bit with Seb yo-yoing back and forth.

Got into a paceline of about 12 riders at the 40 mile mark. We were cruising at about 19 mph at that point. Kinda fun. Then most of them turned off at the 45 mile rest stop. I couldn't fathom stopping with only 10 miles left, so we struck out on our own.

A little later, I heard a big "whoosh" sound coming up behind me. Took a quick peek back and saw a group of about 20 in a single file paceline. 75 mile group had caught us. They were MOVING. I want to go that fast one day. They passed me like I was standing still.

Hills were really getting to me at this point. Probably because my longest ride to that point had been 36 and a half. I could feel it coming, and finally at the 49 mile point, I bonked. Speed dropped down to about 13 or 14 most of the rest of the way. Just had nothing left. I was spent.

Maybe stopping at 25 and 45 instead of just 35? Have more biking base? Salt tablets? Who knows?

I drank 44 oz of Accelerade and 24oz of Powerade. I took 3 gels (1 pre-ride and 2 during), plus one half of a banana. Maybe one of those mini Clif bars at the rest stop would have helped. Need to figure something out.

But I finished it with a higher speed than any ride last year (even the short ones), so I won't complain too much.

Chugged 3 glasses of water and took a short (20 minute) brick jog with Seb. Stomach was very, very sloshy. Makes me wonder how I would handle a HIM run. I can't not drink a lot when I ride, but I can't run well with a lot of sloshing going on in my stomach.


Bike base not where it needs to be.

Nutrition breakdown.

Sucky bike.


I liked the course. Not much traffic and the roads were great for the most part. Next year I'll probably do the 75 miler.