Crossing the Big Dam Bridge

[Hub]

Well girls I did it- I crossed the BDB 3 times yesterday. We were signed up for the 100, so we started toward the from with the hardcore folks. We, Pscyclepath (aka BBB) and I actually followed the 20 mile route path- and ended up riding 26 miles. I rode my own bike- the Giant Sedona- for the 26 miles then we went back to the truck, changed bikes- and I rode the Trek 5200 back over the bridge, doodled around and back across (for my third trip.) I will admit that each crossing I had to stop an rest and regroup before I could continue- my blinking Giant dropped the chain the first time over:mad:

But- it was one of the coolest things I have ever done in my entire life! I logged 40 miles - And I can still walk today:D It was so cool seeing and being with cyclists, seeing all the beautiful bikes & cool jerseys- I could go on and on about that- I got the cool BDB jersey- I'm wearing it in the pictures-
I hope to have more pics later from my disposal camera.

I am such a novice and I need a sign on my bootie that says- 'student rider' :p Did I tell you it's FLAT here in the delta??
I would do it all again without a second thought

Thank you all for your support- this is such a great group-

[CyclChyk]

Wow that looks like such a cool ride! Congrats on your accomplishment!!! :D

[Aggie_Ama]

Congratulations- 40 miles is great! I want to ride this next when my DH is well. It looks like a great time. The pictures are great, scan the disposables in if you can. :D

[Tuckervill]

Hey, Hub, sorry we didn't catch up with ya! There were lots and lots of people. We lined up in the back with the 20 milers, of course.

We ended up doing about 25 miles, too--I think the course wasn't measured correctly. Three bike computers with the same result (give or take a tenth or two) can't be wrong, can they?

My 12 yo took off like a rocket and just waited for us occasionally. I should have ridden my bike in the interim since I got back from New Mexico 3 weeks ago, because my lack of preparation showed. I had legs of lead after about 10 miles, but I did eventually get a second wind. DH stayed ahead of me but behind our son.

I almost got creamed by a cop car on Maumelle Blvd! By the time I got to the turn-around in Maumelle, I was all alone for about a half mile. The traffic was bad, but I had that whole right lane plus a wide shoulder to myself. There was a rear-ender in the traffic line, which I passed, then I'm sitting up adjusting my gloves, and I'm keeping a steady line just to the left of the white line. I can hear the cars that are sitting still on my left, but then I hear what sounds like a car coming up on my RIGHT, on the SHOULDER. I was really p.o.'d to think someone left the traffic lane and had the nerve to pass me on the right. So I start to look as I drop back to the bars, and I swerved right a little, and I see this cop car not 2 feet from my rear wheel on the right! I narrowly avoided swerving in front of him.

I got back in my line as quickly as possible and as he passes, HE'S LOOKING DOWN AT HIS PASSENGER SEAT, not even paying attention to the fact that he's 2 feet away from me. If I had fallen or lost control, he would have killed me for sure.

The window was down, so I hollered, "HOW ABOUT A LITTLE HONK!?" He acted like he didn't even hear me.

What really ticks me off is I wouldn't have been swerving in the first place if he had not have been there! Cops. :mad:

It was a great day for a ride, though, and the bridge is MARVELOUS. My complaint regarding the relative hills is that around my house you climb and can coast, but on that route (in town) you pedal pedal pedal, and then you get to a hill and there's no coasting on the other side. :P I'm not used to being forced to pedal for 25 miles just to keep going. I think it's funny that you thought those were hills. You probably had an easier time than I did, even with the "hills".

Next year I'll have a road bike, and it will be easier. Can hardly wait.

Karen

[Hub]

:p
Hah- I keep telling you people it's FLAT here! I had to stop a lot (to keep from falling over) Cantrell hill almost slayed me!, even the Broadway Bridge was not easy!-- I've driven across both of those about a bajillion times but Sunday was the first time I was self-propelled!! ( I'm from England, Arkansas- grew up at Scott, AR )

I saw a rear-ender accident - close to the Turnaround -by McDonald's & Pasta Jack's- so I bet that means we really weren't that far apart.

It was really, really fun- I want to do it again next year!

[jusdooit]

Congrats to both Hub and Tuck (et al). The pictures look great. Maybe next time. To those of you who know nothing about the MS Delta...............Hub's not joking about it's flatness. Flat as the foundation of your house, just goes on for miles and miles and miles....................Me here in central MS can't find a flat area that's more than 1/2 mile at a time.

[Tuckervill]

>>Cantrell hill almost slayed me<<

Yeah, that hill by Dillard's HQ was a killer, but I slugged up it.

And that's not even the *real* Cantrell Hill.

Karen

[Hub]

Yep - Dillard's--- And that hurts my feelings 'cause I know it's not the reel Cantrell- hill that's starts on the other side of Harvest foods- and I love Dillards! I was asking those cops for a push (snort) - A couple places it was
pedal pedal- try not to fall over- gasp for air- push off- pedal pedal gasp-
et cetera:D