First century *and* first SAG

[maryellen]

Well, I did my first century yesterday. And I SAGed for the first time.

Missed a turn and so went on quite a detour! Later on, back on the route, I saw a SAG vehicle distributing fluids and zipped over. I had no intention of ending my ride (actually felt pretty good) but when they weren't sure if the next rest stop had fluids and asked if I wanted a ride, it sounded good.

So I did my first 100 mile day *and* got to travel back with some great folks. And I was glad I did as it was more than 20 miles to the finish. Yikes. That would have done me in.

Got to say that the hardest part was probably picking my bike up in NYC (the bikes were trucked to/from the start finish, while riders took the train). Getting back on the bike (particularly wearing regular shorts, not bike shorts) to ride home was a killer.

[Veronica]

Originally posted by maryellen


Getting back on the bike (particularly wearing regular shorts, not bike shorts) to ride home was a killer.

That's one reasone I like my Brooks so much. I don't bother with bike shorts on short 10 -15 mile rides.

AND congrats on the ride.

V.

[MM_QFC!]

Hey, kudos to you, maryellen on your first century! Also, it sounds like you made the safe & smart decision to take the SAG wagon to the finish.
Being a native NYer, I'm interested in the ride details: where did it start? what was the route? Bet you were glad to realize that you were on a "lost loop" before you were enroute to a double century!
I've done numerous centuries out in the NW, and even traveled back to ride the Seagull Century in eastern Maryland last year, but haven't brought my bike back to my birth state as yet.
Tailwinds!
Mary

[maryellen]

Mary, it was the North Fork Century. NYC folks could either drive out to Port Jefferson (as if I would be capable to driving back to NYC on a Sunday evening in August after doing a century!) *or* meet near Penn Station in the am. They put the bikes on a truck while the riders took the LIRR to the Port Jefferson station. The start/finish was at the station parking lot. The century route went to Greenport (folks like me who just *had* to be different rode to Orient Point).

For the most part a gorgeous ride, mostly on quiet back roads. A bit hilly for the first 15 or 20 miles and a headwind on the way back, but all in all a great experience for my first century.

I know that the NYC area is not the cycling paradise offered by some other regions, but we do have some great rides.

[Biking Chick]

Originally posted by maryellen
Well, I did my first century yesterday. And I SAGed for the first time.

Congratulations ... that is a major accomplishment and should be celebrated!!

Cindy
Ride Like A Girl!