The day of RAIN (Ride Across INdiana)

Pre-Ride Report:
It's about 3AM and I'm done sleeping. Anxious about the ride. Went to bed about 8, so it's not like I've been Sleepless in Terre Haute (hmmm, I see why they used Seattle for the movie). Yesterday Silver drove to Terre Haute while I drove to Richmond Indiana where I met makbike and her friend Roger and we loaded up together with SR500 and Mr. SR500 for the 2.5 hour drive to Terre Haute. We had a pleasant drive, checked in, and all went to Bob Evans for a quick and easy dinner.

I'm ready, but very anxious about the day:
*a big area of storms are just miles to the northwest of where I sit right now - leaving us in the 40%+ chance of rain most of the day - pray it pushes further north
*anticipated crosswinds of 13mph - we really need a tailwind today!
*distance - 160 miles will be a record for me by 50 miles
*logistics of something going wrong
*Indianapolis traffic

Susan.wells was unable to make it due to travel problems returning from a business trip, so we'll miss her pack with everything in it (what will I do if I need needle/thread and scissors!):D

We've not bumped into indysteel or hoosiergiant yet...but likely along the ride.

More to report - hopefully:rolleyes: - at the other end of 160 miles!

Until tonight!

One Day, One Way, One Hundred Sixty Miles!

May the weather goddesses shelter your path! I just looked at the weather maps and it is not promising for you. However when I rode RaIN last the weather goddesses prevailed! There was rain ahead and behind us with a small window in between. I managed to ride between the two rain pockets the entire way. So here's hoping your speed and the weather conditions work in the same manner!

I hope you all did well on RAIN today. Of course with the off and on unseasonably cooler weather, today decided to turn on the heat AND humidity. I've been thinking about you all today.
Don't forget to hit the pickle juice tonight to stave off cramps.
Mary

RAIN to the east of me, TBP to the west... had to do my own 200K to *try* to keep up with the rest.

Waiting on a report - hope you stayed ahead of the storms!!

This will go down as one of the most memorable days in my life!

Well, at 5:15, Silver and I hitched a ride with Sr500 and MrSR500.

The sky was ominously bright with vivid lightning. It was spooky. But, NO THUNDER. I believe it was a severe thunderstone that Geonz was probably experiencing in Champaign/Urbana, but it was scary nonetheless since I was already apprehensive.

As it got lighter approaching the 7AM start, the sky was less ominious but cloudy nonetheless. At 6:55, it started RAINING.

We rode for 60 miles in the RAIN at RaIN. Once I rode for 10 minutes in the rain! Today I rode for three hours. Indy was SWAMPED. In the groups, the "rooster tails" were terrible. I've not been so water logged since Boy Scout Camp!

Sag1 - 40 miles. I remember looking down with each pedal stroke to see water bubbling out of my shoe vents!

40 miles to Sag2 (about mile 64?), I was alone at first for some distance. Then a group of guys from Wisconsin let me hug a wheel. We had a perfect pace line of 5 and averaged 24mph.

I lost my pace line at Sag 2 because I had to go to the bathroom

30+ miles to lunch. I rode alone for 2/3 the distance, but for the other time met some nice folks.

At lunch, I found my pace line guys and we stayed together the balance of the nearly 70 miles. I pulled about half the time...who says cycling is solitary.

Bottom line: I exceeded my wildest dreams! I finished either 123 or 124 out of nearly 1200 who registered

Prior to today, my longest ride was 110miles. So, today I broke 50 records.

I finished in 8hr50min - 20mph plus 50 minutes SAG time.

My goal was to finish hoping to average 17mph.

We spent a lot of time with makbike and indysteel as well and really enjoyed them.

Despite the rain, it kept things cool. It got sunny and hot, but we were so waterlogged that it kept us cool all day.

It's almost 11PM, we just drove into Bloomington...my knees are sore, my body is fatigued, but I am high on the experience of the day!

So, I'm treating myself to a South Beach Pizza and going to bed!

Thanks for the kind thoughts!

I would have to second Mr. Silver's sentiments on this ride. It was simply unbelievable. I had hope to average 15.5 -16 mph on this ride and ended up with an average speed of 18.2 mph. I thought I had some zoom to my zoom but Mr. Silver really had some zoom! Way to go!

I started the day off thinking I don't want to ride in the rain, I hate to ride in the rain but it really did not last long and as Mr. Silver said it helped to keep us cool later in the day.

I rode most of the day with fellow club member, Roger and his buddy John. They informed me early this morning they were not going to push the pace - a relaxed ride was what they were shooting for. Once the ride started they launched and I joined in the fun. We worked together throughout the day with others joining our little pace line as we crossed the state. As the day progressed and the miles ticked off my legs felt incredibly strong. I found my groove early in the morning and held on for it all day, simply incredible! My average cadence was 85 - that is a big wow for me!

All I can say is today was fabulous and I'm sitting here with a huge smile plastered on my face.

Before I close, as special thanks again to Mr. SR500, SR500 and Mr. Silver for helping me and my riding buddy get to Terre Haute.

A special thanks to MrSR500 and SR500 - what a wonderful, gracious and very helpful family!. They made the drive enjoyable and were helpful all along the way! We'll look forward to meeting them again!

Congratulations to all of the RaIN finishers! It is certainly an accomplishment when the stars are aligned but it is even more so given the prevailing conditions you had. Don't you hate shoe squish? Here's to a speedy recovery and many more broken records!

Tailwinds,
Susan

Way to go all of you!

Wow!!!! That's an incredible average for that much added distance and those conditions!! You must have done some very effective training:)

Now the next chore: bike cleaning:)

CA

Great meeting everyone, made a fun event. Despite my DNF, still enjoyed being part of it. MR. S, was very excited (like a kid in a candy shop), Silver cool and calm, Makbike is well served by her many - many centuries, met Indysteel briefly at the end, and saw Hoosiergiant briefly the night before.

Mr. S had an amazing ride, times were about 25 minutes slower then last year for the lead pack. Most of our local guys did well, with some good stories, but conditions were not great. As the riders were greeted with rain at the start, they had hot humid conditions after lunch. I saw Mr. S early as he past me looking strong, and continued on for an excellent RAIN performance. Add in that it was his first and he's only been riding 18 months, it's a real accomplishment. Congrats to all those that finished, RAIN is different for every rider, so I hope everyone enjoyed and hope to see you all at the finish next year.

Here are a few pics:

Here we are arriving shortly before 6, ready for the day!

http://www.weberwoodworking.com/bikeforums/DSC_1627.jpg

The skies did not look good!

http://www.weberwoodworking.com/bikeforums/DSC_1645.jpg

Just before the start:

http://www.weberwoodworking.com/bikeforums/DSC_1639.jpg

And we are off 7 am:

http://www.weberwoodworking.com/bikeforums/DSC_1643.jpg

And I am done, 40 miles would be all for today.

http://www.weberwoodworking.com/bikeforums/DSC_1651.jpg

Makbike looking great at the finish!

http://www.weberwoodworking.com/bikeforums/DSC_1423.jpg

Silver bringing it home:

http://www.weberwoodworking.com/bikeforums/DSC_1431.jpg

Congrats to all the RAIN finishers. The ride lived up to its name for sure!

I have mixed feelings about this year's ride. My group was very indecisive in the morning b/c of the weather and we ultimately delayed our start. We left the hotel at 7:25 and probably weren't on the course until 7:40 to 7:45. While we avoided the worst of the rain, we also put ourselves somewhat behind. We spent the first part of the ride manuevering around slower riders, some of whom seemed to know nothing about riding in a group. Thankfully, we got past the worst of that by the first stop, but by then, we also didn't have the benefit of hooking up with pacelines that were going our pace. I either pulled or was alone all but a few miles.

Last year, I averaged 19 mph. This year, 17.95. In that sense, I'm disappointed. The irony is that I felt like I was riding as well this year as last, but I got more bogged down at times thanks to the weather, a short detour for lunch at another rider's house, and a bad hot spot on my right foot. I felt great at times though, too, especially for the last 60 miles. It's nice when you finish a ride with all engines still running strong, but it also made me feel like I could have done better.

In any event, the day could have been a total washout, so I should count my many blessings.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by indysteel

It's nice when you finish a ride with all engines still running strong, but it also made me feel like I could have done better.

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In my mind, anyone who makes it to the finish line is to be applauded. Speed and time, while laudable results in and of themselves, are not nearly as important as the determination to train for the event, the courage to venture where few have gone before, and the mental fortitude to keep those cranks turning for 160 miles. So, applause for you!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by indysteel

My group was very indecisive in the morning b/c of the weather and we ultimately delayed our start. We left the hotel at 7:25 and probably weren't on the course until 7:40 to 7:45.

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Hey, we were at one of the SAGs when I heard someone say her group had started 25 minutes late! Perhaps someone with you...

HG: Sorry we didn't meet you! We even went to Bob Evans for dinner!

Did you do the double century? I was wondering "How hard is it at 120 to pass the turn off for you house just 5 miles away?"

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr. Silver

HG: Sorry we didn't meet you! We even went to Bob Evans for dinner!

Did you do the double century? I was wondering "How hard is it at 120 to pass the turn off for you house just 5 miles away?"

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I heard you went to Bob Evans; we didn't even make it to the hotel until sometime after 7:30. (Logistical issues getting all the vehicles where we needed them to be at opposite sides of the state.)

Passed on the double century due to an approaching storm and the fact that our sitter for the girls had to leave.

Any of the left-hand turns in Knightstown (128 miles) would have gotten us home. Thought never even crossed my mind though because I LOVE the last 50 miles of that course! Once we hit Greenfield and are finally back on smooth pavement, I fly! (Well, fly for me.) And that's just waaaay too much fun!

Congrats to all of you!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr. Silver

[B]
The sky was ominously bright with vivid lightning. It was spooky. But, NO THUNDER. I believe it was a severe thunderstone that Geonz was probably experiencing in Champaign/Urbana, but it was scary nonetheless since I was already apprehensive.

As it got lighter approaching the 7AM start, the sky was less ominious but cloudy nonetheless. At 6:55, it started RAINING.

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I feel like I'm reading something out of National Geographic. What a wonderful tale to share with the grandchildren. I'm glad you all enjoyed not only the companionship but an excellent ride as well. Congratulations to the Silvers, Makbike, Indysteel, SR500s, and other courageous adventurers as well.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HoosierGiant

In my mind, anyone who makes it to the finish line is to be applauded. Speed and time, while laudable results in and of themselves, are not nearly as important as the determination to train for the event, the courage to venture where few have gone before, and the mental fortitude to keep those cranks turning for 160 miles. So, applause for you!!

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Thanks. I don't think I was in the best frame of mind when I wrote that yesterday. I was more pooped than pleased. I feel better today about the ride and my performance. I'm being too hard on myself--as usual. :o

I really l like these ultradistance events though. My goal next year, I think, is a double century. I just need to find one in the general vicinity.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by indysteel

I really l like these ultradistance events though. My goal next year, I think, is a double century. I just need to find one in the general vicinity.

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LMK if you hear of one -- it's my next goal.

Wow - 200 miles! My next goal is the 10 mile TT Wednesday. I figure I can last that long. Great thread, we really enjoyed meeting everyone.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HoosierGiant

LMK if you hear of one -- it's my next goal.

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I've done a bit of research and can't seem to find much in the way of doubles around here. California definitely has the lock on them. There are some brevet series in Illinois, Ohio and Tennessee. Unfortunately, some of the rides that are most appealing to me are very early in the season. Grrrr. I'll keep my eye out for something though.

Good luck at your 10 mile TT, Mr. SR500. It was nice to meet you, too. I hope you're feeling better soon.

Indy, keep any eye on the Louisville Bicycle Club's schedule as well. They just did a double a couple of weeks ago.

http://www.louisvillebicycleclub.org/

They have a 140 this weekend.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by makbike

Indy, keep any eye on the Louisville Bicycle Club's schedule as well. They just did a double a couple of weeks ago.

http://www.louisvillebicycleclub.org/

They have a 140 this weekend.

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Thanks so much MB! I could easily do a ride in or around Louisville. Is the double an annual event? Are you doing the 140? If so, you're my new hero!!!! Heck, even if you're not, you're my hero!

I can't do the 140 this weekend for my parents are coming in for a visit. It is a tough 140 - not flat like RaIN - lots of climbing on this baby.

The double is an annual event. If they put it on the schedule again this year I'll let you know. They often host centuries on Saturday and Sunday if you want to do back to back ones.

There is a century on 7/26 that throws in the infamous Pottershop Hills. If you have ridden the Old Kentucky Home Tour century you would remember this bad boys for they come in around mile 90 or so. This is suppose to be a very tough ride and I'm looking forward to it. They are also hosting a century the next day. I don't much about this one but if my legs aren't too wiped out from Pottershop I may join in the fun.

So many choices so little time!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by makbike

I can't do the 140 this weekend for my parents are coming in for a visit. It is a tough 140 - not flat like RaIN - lots of climbing on this baby.

The double is an annual event. If they put it on the schedule again this year I'll let you know. They often host centuries on Saturday and Sunday if you want to do back to back ones.

There is a century on 7/26 that throws in the infamous Pottershop Hills. If you have ridden the Old Kentucky Home Tour century you would remember this bad boys for they come in around mile 90 or so. This is suppose to be a very tough ride and I'm looking forward to it. They are also hosting a century the next day. I don't much about this one but if my legs aren't too wiped out from Pottershop I may join in the fun.

So many choices so little time!

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I just took a look at your club's calendar for August. Wow. There are a number of centuries. Our club hosts all of, uh, zero centuries at this point. In fact, our calendar for this year has been the pits. I'm going to keep several of them in mind. I can't do the OKHT. Well, I could, but I better rest my legs for BRAT instead.

Thanks for giving me the head's up. It looks like you have a great club.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by indysteel

I've done a bit of research and can't seem to find much in the way of doubles around here. California definitely has the lock on them.

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You could always plan a trip to CA. Just come prepared to climb. :D I've done six of the doubles out here. They all have long, sustained 3 - 10 mile climbs. Solvang Spring is a lovely first double and in a nice area, with only 6,900 feet of climbing. It was my first double. But it is held in March.

In June you could do the Grand Tour with 8,300 feet of climb. I haven't done that, so can't tell you much about it.

If you want beautiful scenery, Tam in August, Central Coast in May and Eastern Sierra in June would be my picks. They all have more than 10,000 feet of climbing. If you want great support, Knoxville in Sept. is your double.

A lot of people do Davis as their first double. It is very flat at the beginning and end, but still has 8,400 feet of climbing.

Good luck in your search. I hope you can find something closer to home.

V.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Veronica

You could always plan a trip to CA. Just come prepared to climb. :D I've done six of the doubles out here. They all have long, sustained 3 - 10 mile climbs. Solvang Spring is a lovely first double and in a nice area, with only 6,900 feet of climbing. It was my first double. But it is held in March.

In June you could do the Grand Tour with 8,300 feet of climb. I haven't done that, so can't tell you much about it.

If you want beautiful scenery, Tam in August, Central Coast in May and Eastern Sierra in June would be my picks. They all have more than 10,000 feet of climbing. If you want great support, Knoxville in Sept. is your double.

A lot of people do Davis as their first double. It is very flat at the beginning and end, but still has 8,400 feet of climbing.

Good luck in your search. I hope you can find something closer to home.

V.

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I'd love to take a cycling trip to CA. I just can't seem to get my head around shipping my bike so I'd have to work that out first, or rent something. But my body is like Goldilocks on speed. If things are not "just so" (and you'd want to be for a double), my body complains. Loudly.

Granted, you gotta love to climb in CA, but I'm envious of just how many cool events you have. They're harder to come by in the Midwest. Not impossible; just harder. That's why I keep treking to Kentucky and Tennessee. It's the prettiest riding within a reasonable driving distance to Indiana.

The LBC is a great club and very active. They offer a variety of rides (distance and levels) in an attempt to accommodate most riders. Should you decide to venture down know whatever ride you pick you will be made to feel very welcome.

The century on 8/2 is a tough one, so I've been told. I've never tackled it but will be there this year to defend my current 1st place standing in the MadDog contest. MadDog centuries are a lot of fun. There will be a lot of riders and a lot of good stories to listen to as the day passes. This ride is listed, I believe, on www.kybikerides.org. Susan is a great ride captain.

The century on 8/10 is a great one and Larry is an outstanding ride captain. His rides are always very scenic.

Melissa is also hosting several centuries in August. She too is an outstanding ride captain. She too puts together some great rides. Her Packman's Hint is a great route.

If you decide to come down for any of the club's rides let me know. I'd be honored to ride with you and introduce you to some great club members.

indy:

I don't know what a 4x50 is...but here's one in August in Illinois:

http://www.ultramidwest.net/


I'm not back on the bike yet...Got a massage today and now my legs feel great!

I'm cleaning my bike tonight and riding tomorrow!

Here's an idea...as an intermediary step:

Come ride the Hilly Hundred with Silver and me...doing each daily course twice.

The Hilly Hundred is one ride I'd love to do.

Congratulations to all that did RAIN! Very impressive reports.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr. Silver

Here's an idea...as an intermediary step:

Come ride the Hilly Hundred with Silver and me...doing each daily course twice.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by pll

The Hilly Hundred is one ride I'd love to do.

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Come on down! It's a fun ride!

Mr. Silver... would you recommend a hotel or B&B to stay in Bloomington? Ellettsville seems very small.

Hmm. I think it would be neat to have a couple of hours to explore the architecture in Columbus -- I have not checked distances yet, but it may be as close as I get for while!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by indysteel

I've done a bit of research and can't seem to find much in the way of doubles around here. California definitely has the lock on them. There are some brevet series in Illinois, Ohio and Tennessee. Unfortunately, some of the rides that are most appealing to me are very early in the season. Grrrr. I'll keep my eye out for something though.

Good luck at your 10 mile TT, Mr. SR500. It was nice to meet you, too. I hope you're feeling better soon.

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The TT went fine, not as fast as I had hoped, but good baseline for next month.

Thanks

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pll

Mr. Silver... would you recommend a hotel or B&B to stay in Bloomington? Ellettsville seems very small.

Hmm. I think it would be neat to have a couple of hours to explore the architecture in Columbus -- I have not checked distances yet, but it may be as close as I get for while!

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My condo is humble but open to all...the more the merrier...the more the more crowded as well, but better than the gymnasium. Last year we had three guests here (TrekJeni and two friends) and we had a blast!

Ellettesville is not far from Hwy 37 and there are a thousand hotel rooms within 5 miles along Hwy 37 and near campus/downtown.... there's also a state park with a decent lodge (McCormicks Creek) to the west of Ellettesville.

As for a Bed & Breakfast, Grant Street Inn is near downtown and very nice...but it's corporate owned by the local billionaire...not innkeeper maintained. The IU Union is nice as well and on campus. Century Suites is a B&B type hotel on the east side of town at one of the race intersections featured in Breaking Away (3rd & Hwy 446)

Columbus is 45 minutes east of Bloomington and then about 3.5 hours from Chicago on I-65.

That's so kind of you! I would love to meet some TEers.

I am a terrible climber, so I will suffer in this ride and will be exhausted by the end of each day... this is what makes me think of a hotel or B&B.

I'm pretty sure that the Grant Street Inn has some jacuzzi rooms.

Another B&B is Scholar's Inn.

Newest hotels in the area are:
- Hilton Garden Suites (downtown)
- Homewood Suites (Hwy 37)
- Radisson (Hwy 45/46)

Other than that, nearly every chain exists from inexpensive to top dollar.

You are welcome to stay here in our hovel, but the bigger the crowd, the less the privacy...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pll

I am a terrible climber,

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A wise woman at last year's Hilly said it well:

"There's no hill that can't be walked"

:D