Saturday July 14 rides

[makbike]

I awoke this morning with a smile on my face and butterflies in my stomach for I decided to tackle yet another century. The route was unknown and had the potential to be very hilly (I hate hills). I printed of the directions from the club website, ate, loaded my car and left with time to spare. I got to the correct exit and prompting headed the wrong direction. By the time I realized something was amiss I knew I was in trouble. However, I stopped at the local farmers market asked for directions, was pointed in the right direction and I headed off hoping I would make it before the group left. I also realized I probably would not make it but wanted to try. I did find the starting point and was happy to see they gang had not yet left.

I quickly pulled my stuff together so I would not delay the group. As we headed out I realized my old computer was not working; the display read 000000 at every push of the mode button - was this an omen of what was to come? However, at the 4 mile mark I looked down and old faithful had come to life and was right on target. I'm not sure what happened but I was relieved to see it was working and providing with me all the information I like to track on a ride.

The first 25 miles were very flat and I love flat. The group was flying toward Medora and I was right in the midst of the "fast dogs." At one point I looked down to discover I was in my big chainring which explained my "flying" mode and I hoped this would not come back to haunt me later in the ride. We arrived at the first store stop and my average speed was an unbelievable 18.2mph. I knew I would not be keep this pace up for the remaining 75 miles but I felt strong and knew good thing were to come on this ride.

By the time we made it to the lunch stop (61 miles) my average speed had dropped to 16.6 mph but I was still smiling and having a great time. We fought a mild headwind (7 - 10 mph) to the lunch stop and all I could do was hope that headwind would become a tailwind at some point. My wishes came true as soon as we pulled out of the parking lot. I felt a huge smile creep across my face. Again, I found myself in amongst the "big dogs" or slightly behind the group but with each passing mile I felt stronger and more confident on my bike.

At the last store stop my trusty computer told me my average speed had picked up to 16.8 mph and we only had 15 more miles to go. Off I we went and once again the wind was our friend and a gentle hand was pushing me back to my car. I was flying down the beautiful back roads of Indiana and having a great time. At one point I checked my average speed and was treated to 17.0 - a personal best. I was determined to hold on to this and took it up a notch or two. By the time I pulled into the parking lot my average speed was a gloriously 17.2. I had traveled 102.76 miles and I felt great. A huge smile consumed my face and my spirits were soaring. It was an unbelievable day and I feel so blessed to have been able to participate.

It was a great day. I rode with some wonderful people, was treated to some beautiful sights (a round barn, a covered bridge, green fields of soy beans and corn and a group of horse and a mule that "raced" us as we rode along) and found myself happy and feeling good.

[mudmucker]

Makbike, good for you. I've been following your other earlier threads: I know you said you were doing this century today. Sounds like you had a terrific ride and I'm glad your spirits have lifted. Amazing what a week will do combined with a change in hormone levels.

[cosc]

Makbike, congrats on a great fast century! Sara, I enjoyed hearing about your scared crazy squirrel. I rode 38 miles in the heat of the day. I saw beautiful mares with their adorable colts and scared some pheasants that took flight. I was very tired upon arriving home. I must leave earlier this next week as temps are supposed to be in the 100 all week.