I joined the bike club for the return journey from Mammoth Cave to Louisville today. Riders assembled at 6 a.m. (EST) in front of the Mammoth Cave Hotel. Greetings were exchanged and we quickly made our way to Cave City for breakfast at the Crackle Barrel. The weather was the main topic of conversation - would we be rained on today was the question being tossed around. It did not take long for the answer to be delivered as the skies opened up and the rain poured down. The new question of the day - how long will it last? Riders assembled on the front porch of the Crackle Barrel - jackets were pulled out, leg warmers were put on as were arm warmers for with the rain our warm morning had quickly become a chilly morning. The good news - we had a strong tail wind to push us home!

17 riders started the return journey to Louisville. There were lots of tired faces amongst the group but spirits still remained high. Today's ride basically was a reverse of yesterday's route and once again we found ourselves in some beautiful rural areas. At about the 40 mile mark the winds shifted and we found ourselves once again fighting a strong headwind. Spirits dropped and riders dug deep. By the time we made our way to Bardstown for lunch exhaustion was etched on many faces. The wind was taking it toll but we kept pedaling.

As we made our way down Lilly Pike - a fun descent most of the time - I found myself struggling to keep my bike upright for the cross wind was unbelievably strong. I literally fought to keep from planting my bike and body on the road. I found my bike jumping from side to side and for the first time a small wave of panic crept into my head. Thank goodness I was able to keep things under control for I was flying down Lilly Pike at 30+mph when the strong gust came across the hill. When I made my way safely to the bottom of the hill I paused to give thanks for a safe journey and continued onward. By this time my legs were dead, I had some nasty saddle sores popping up, my neck hurt and my body was exhausted. We still had about 25 miles to go and so I pedaled.

The last store stop came just 10 miles from the finish but every rider stopped to rest, eat and chat. The group took off and it appears most dug very deep for the pace quickly picked up nearing 25 mph as we made our way up hilly Routt Road. I just checking the remaining miles off and finally caught up with the lead group and we finished strong. Lots of tired smiles, pats on the back and words of congratulations to those who rode both days under unbelievable windy conditions.

Today we logged 117.42 miles and I finished my first back to back century rides. I'm not sure if I will attempt this feat again but I can say I accomplished yet another thing on my "list of things I want to do in 2008."

My legs are sore and dead. My neck and shoulders are equally as sore. I'm exhausted but there is a big smile on my face so I can say without hesitation I had a great weekend! I rode 237.05 miles in two days and I will admit I pretty darn proud of myself. Time to take a shower, feed my tired body and crawl into bed. I'm glad I have the next two days off from work for I think it is going to take several days to recover!