Septmeber 15 Rides!

[GLC1968]

Rode day one of our MS150 on the 15th. 104 miles. We went out strong and were convinced that it was going to be our best century time yet. It was socked in fog at the start, and I was getting soaked as we rode even though the rain had stopped hours ago and the roads were almost dry!

Pulled into our first rest stop (we skipped the first one) at mile 31 only to have difficulty steering. Well, look at that...a flat! My front tire was quite flat - no wonder I felt sluggish for the past 10 miles! Changed it and headed out again.

The sun came out, dried us all out and promised a gorgeous day ahead. Too bad Mr. Sun didn't discuss the day with Mr. Wind. The last 45 miles were really tough...into a head wind that really took one's breath away. I guess we should have expected high winds on the tail of a tropical storm, huh?

At mile 80, I was dead. I was ready to just skip the last 'century' loop and head straight into the finish. DH was also super tired, so I figured I'd wait and see if he'd suggest it. My pride would not let me be the first to speak up. Apparently, was thinking the same thing. Ugh. We made the loop, dragged our butts the last 25 miles...and got into the finish in time to still get free lunch - Whoopee! (It was AWESOME...anyone know how good Carrabas' tastes after 104 miles? No? Well, it's GOOD ).

Just downloaded my info this afternoon and lo and behold...we met our goal. Avg speed was 16 mph - our fastest century yet! I have NO idea how we managed that against that wind (and some of those hills), but I'll take it! Total climbing was 4000 ft (according to my Polar). I'm feeling quite proud today.

[short cut sally]

Saturday was the Highlander cycle tour. Participants just paid a registration fee and didn't have to collect/raise funds. There was several mileage options to choose from, they offer 2-100 milers, an easier one and a death wish. I chose the easier one with 6000 elevation, the other has like 14,000 +. The view is of 2 lakes, lots of vineyards and wineries, and small little towns. Our goal was to do it this year in better time than last year, our first century ever. We were 11 minutes past our goal to beat of 7hrs 39 mins. BUT we had (swirling) headwinds for 99 miles-I am pretty sure of that, and I froze. I was ready to quit at mile 60, I told my riding partner to go on w/o me. She informed me we were in this together and we were finishing. At mile 91 is a 5 mile hill, and going up that, the wind was so exhausting to me that I couldn't decide if I wanted to cry or laugh. The weather was supposed to be 60 and breezy. Turned out to be 45 and breezy. I was dressed for the warmer temp and wished I hadn't taken off my extra layers before starting. I changed out of the wet clothes (it showered briefly twice) at the lodge where the meal was and used the hand dryer in the lady's room to warm up my hands and feet.. I can laugh about it now but oh my, I was never so cold and all I wanted to do was be at home, under the blanket, drinking coffee and having my cat curled up with me.

[Aggie_Ama]

DH and I took off for a weekend in Port Aransas, Texas to celebrate our 10 year anniversary as a couple. Saturday afternoon we rented a couple of single speed beach cruisers and rode on the beach and the island. Covered approx 15-20 and had the best time!

[RoadRaven]

DH and I took off for a weekend ..... and had the best time!

*biiig sugh*
I lurve stories like these...