My First Century - Long Report!

[Starfish]

Great job! There will come another century that is well marked, well supported, and takes place on all paved roads! After this as your first one, you will feel like an old pro with a piece of cake! Congrats...you overcame!

[SJCzar]

I'm feeling a bit guilty about this whole thing ... since I was the one to say what a great, well-supported, and FLAT ride the PaperFest is. This was the first year they added in the extra mileage to make it a century. What were the chances that the add-on would be the most killer hills they could find in that area?

I guess the leadership of the ride was turned over to someone else for this year's event....really bad mistake.

At least you can always keep in mind that any century after that one will be a piece of cake.

I'll make it up to you with some margarita therapy after the next ride we do together.

[mtbdarby]

Don't feel bad Sue - other than the hilly stretch is was pretty flat

Besides, it didn't discourage me from riding another one. Kinda like having a baby - I've forgotten the pain already and just have fond memories

[bikerchick68]

Dar! I'm so danged excited for you! I remember when you were dreaming of "someday" being able to ride a century!!! and look at you now... you're an endurance athlete! WOOT!

your report was awesome... I had to laugh at the dogs... I have SO mentally been there... I also have to chuckle that they had a climb called The Wall... every good ride has a climb called The Wall... just so ya know...

except STP... they had a climb called "The Hill" THAT was my kind of climb

I'm way proud of you... hope you kept your number and get a pic framed! that's a huge accomplisment lady...

[mtbdarby]

BC - thanks for the kind words. I feel like there's nothing I can't do now, so watch out And yes, I will be framing a picture from the momentus day!

[indigoiis]

Wow!
Some day I will ride one and I will think of yours!
Congratulations!

[Zen]

That is beyond accomplishment,you definitely earned your bragging rights.
I know I would have walked a 16 percenter.

It might be helpful to some future rider if you made some suggestions to the organizers about the route markings and rest stop location.
Phil, the guy who organized and marked my yearly ride, is really good at marking the route. He also takes the opportunity to spray encouraging words and the occasional "chicks dig phil"

[Trekn Teresa]

CONGRATULATIONS mtbdarby!

Fantastic ride report, I enjoyed it.
It sure is a great feeling to complete a century isn't it?
Wonderful determination girl! Be proud of yourself.
~ Trekn Teresa ~

[sundial]

B I G C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S to you, mtbdarby!!! You did a fantastic job hanging in there. I don't think I could have even made it under 7 hours with 2 flats.

I got tickled reading about the nature break in the corn field. Course if I tried that, something would bite me on my bum.

I can't wait to try a century. I'm hoping I'll be up to it in October. Thanks for posting your story. You serve as an inspiration for first timers and veterans alike.

[VeloVT]

Great story. Congratulations on finishing your first century!

Hope I can do one this fall...