Once again I journeyed south to the lovely city of Chattanooga to participate in the 3 State 3 Mountain bike event this past weekend. Once again the weather was less than favorable for a bike ride, in fact it was worse this year than last. However, it was not raining at the start so I decided to ride and ten minutes into the ride the skies opened up and I was quickly soaked. Thank goodness the temps were a bit warmer this year but it did not take long for the chill to set in. I started the first climb (Suck Creek) feeling pretty good. This is a long climb (five miles) but a nice gentle grade so it really is not too bad. However, a mile into the climb my front tire blew and I found myself on the side of the road changing it as the lightning flashed around me. I felt like a human lightning rod! I watched rider after ride go back in the direction from which we came but decided to continue the ride. The ride down the backside of mountain was scary to say the least. There were small streams of water running across the road and I could feel my tires slipping out from under me. The poor visibility, the poor road conditions and the fear factor the ride down was a memorable one. I saw many riders walking down the mountain. The first SAG was a mess so I passed it and continued the ride in hopes of getting warm but the rain continued. I found my buddy at the second SAG - he had a sandwich and dry clothes for me - this was the greatest of gifts. I was so cold at this point I could not stop the shivering and quickly decided the century was not an option. I headed off decked out in dry clothes and looking forward to the end of the ride. I figured I could stick out the last 15 miles and I did. By the time I made it to the finish I was finished - chilled to the bone and looking forward to an afternoon in a hot tub (thank goodness for it). I plan on returning next year in hopes that the sun will shine and all those who participate will be dry and safe. I tip my hat to those who completed the century they are my heros.
