Snap-You get the award for persisting despite the painful cramps. One that note - I recommend that you get the electrolyte packets at whole foods- instant success! I 've now done 2 centuries using them and they work!!! If you are taking sinsus med, yes you need to hydrate like crazy all the time since that stuff does dehydrate you! I even start drinking fluids on the way to a ride, to make sure I am hydrated enough!

THANKS TO EVERYONE for the pictures and the narrative. Would love to know what the route was for future hill training rides!