Thanks to the inspiration and support of all you wonderful TE gals, I am happy to report I did my first century! It is called The Flattest Century in the East, although the organizers acknowledge that it no longer is the flattest. They've used the name for the last 35 years, however, and they are sticking with it. I mapped it out on Routeslip and it appears to have about 2800 feet of climbing. Mostly rolling hills, but I was certainly glad I had switched over to a compact crank from a standard double.
It was a gorgeous day through some beautiful rural and coastal scenery in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. I usually ride alone, so it was really fun to be with 1800 other riders...well spaced from each other, no mass start. I passed a few, was passed by many, got to ride on the tails of a few, and met some really nice folks. Best of all was meeting up with some other TE friends to share the excitement of the day as we each headed out on our respective rides.
I obsessed about having enough fuel and fluids to get the job done and should have been towing a trailer to carry the snacks I had in my Camelback! The ride was well-supported and I really didn't have to worry about the food part, although I did eat my fig newtons and had a couple shots of Hammer gel. I carried some Gookinaid powder to mix in with the water at the rest stops, and just kept reminding myself to drink it.
The last 30 miles was more work, but after a shot of Hammer gel I found myself singing Little Richard tunes "I feeeeel good..." to get me up the last few hills and into the 20mph headwind. (drafting behind two tandems helped, too!)
Not feeling bad today, either. I've been wearing my Jenny Ewing T-shirt all day, and feeling blessed to be healthy and strong. :)
Linda
