Subject: RE: The hardest bike ride I have ever "done" Originally posted by pga_mike
Garrett County Grand Fondo. I have the slogan for Western Maryland/West Virginia. "We build roads where no one else would." Seriously, I did the Masochistic Metric and missed my hydration (skipped the first aid station). Went to Cramp City and I had to walk two of the climbs. (Note: I still beat 100 people on the climbs where I had to dismount and walk). In 62 miles, you will ride over 20% grades and have sustained climbs averaging over 10%. And beautiful views to boot.
I gotta tell you, I did it without walking those hills. I admit, though, that if a friend of mine hadn't been behind me, I might have put a foot down on the second to last one. Don't tell him that. I am hoping to build up to the full century next year.
Did you finish before the heavy rain? I did, but only by less than 30 minutes. As I was driving back down, I felt bad for people riding up that mountain at the end. The road looked like a river.
I opened my big mouth after the GF and talked my friends into doing the Lewisburg Century next weekend with 112 miles and 8500' of climbing. Unfortunately, I have been travelling a lot and haven't even been riding 100 miles a week. I am going to die. |