Seagull Century: Disappointment

[7rider]

I'm sorry, Cyclesome that you didn't do the ride. There's always next year.
I did finish it and yes, it was slow and brutal. The wind going onto Assateague was just unbelievable. Our poor bikes were totally sandblasted.
Last year, DH and I attempted the ride during Tropical Storm Tammy. Although this year had less rain, it had more wind and was colder, so in many ways, this year was worse than last year. Someone I spoke to last year said it rained 4 of the last 5 times he tried it. I did the ride in 2000 and it was sunny, mild and gorgeous! I guess that was the only time he rode where it didn't rain and I got a skewed view from my first attempt.
DH stopped at REI on Thursday evening and picked up a rain jacket and rain pants for himself. It really was helpful on the ride (I had picked up some last year for it, and we both had helmet covers). I think if you're wearing the right clothes, it can be tolerable -- as Emily reminds us, cold and wet are horrible. Of course, the wind never helps.
Here's a picture of me at Assateague (making a funny face, I was probably barking out instructions to my DH on how to use the camera....he never uses it!). Notice, I'm totally bundled up....including long fingered gloves.
Take heart, folks! Next year will be awesome! Sunny, mild, calm!