The day of RAIN (Ride Across INdiana)

[susan.wells]

Congratulations to all of the RaIN finishers! It is certainly an accomplishment when the stars are aligned but it is even more so given the prevailing conditions you had. Don't you hate shoe squish? Here's to a speedy recovery and many more broken records!

Tailwinds,
Susan

[OakLeaf]

Way to go all of you!

[Blueberry]

Wow!!!! That's an incredible average for that much added distance and those conditions!! You must have done some very effective training

Now the next chore: bike cleaning

CA

[Mr. SR500]

Great meeting everyone, made a fun event. Despite my DNF, still enjoyed being part of it. MR. S, was very excited (like a kid in a candy shop), Silver cool and calm, Makbike is well served by her many - many centuries, met Indysteel briefly at the end, and saw Hoosiergiant briefly the night before.

Mr. S had an amazing ride, times were about 25 minutes slower then last year for the lead pack. Most of our local guys did well, with some good stories, but conditions were not great. As the riders were greeted with rain at the start, they had hot humid conditions after lunch. I saw Mr. S early as he past me looking strong, and continued on for an excellent RAIN performance. Add in that it was his first and he's only been riding 18 months, it's a real accomplishment. Congrats to all those that finished, RAIN is different for every rider, so I hope everyone enjoyed and hope to see you all at the finish next year.

Here are a few pics:

Here we are arriving shortly before 6, ready for the day!



The skies did not look good!



Just before the start:



And we are off 7 am:



And I am done, 40 miles would be all for today.



Makbike looking great at the finish!



Silver bringing it home:

[indysteel]

Congrats to all the RAIN finishers. The ride lived up to its name for sure!

I have mixed feelings about this year's ride. My group was very indecisive in the morning b/c of the weather and we ultimately delayed our start. We left the hotel at 7:25 and probably weren't on the course until 7:40 to 7:45. While we avoided the worst of the rain, we also put ourselves somewhat behind. We spent the first part of the ride manuevering around slower riders, some of whom seemed to know nothing about riding in a group. Thankfully, we got past the worst of that by the first stop, but by then, we also didn't have the benefit of hooking up with pacelines that were going our pace. I either pulled or was alone all but a few miles.

Last year, I averaged 19 mph. This year, 17.95. In that sense, I'm disappointed. The irony is that I felt like I was riding as well this year as last, but I got more bogged down at times thanks to the weather, a short detour for lunch at another rider's house, and a bad hot spot on my right foot. I felt great at times though, too, especially for the last 60 miles. It's nice when you finish a ride with all engines still running strong, but it also made me feel like I could have done better.

In any event, the day could have been a total washout, so I should count my many blessings.

[HoosierGiant]

It's nice when you finish a ride with all engines still running strong, but it also made me feel like I could have done better.

In my mind, anyone who makes it to the finish line is to be applauded. Speed and time, while laudable results in and of themselves, are not nearly as important as the determination to train for the event, the courage to venture where few have gone before, and the mental fortitude to keep those cranks turning for 160 miles. So, applause for you!!

My group was very indecisive in the morning b/c of the weather and we ultimately delayed our start. We left the hotel at 7:25 and probably weren't on the course until 7:40 to 7:45.

Hey, we were at one of the SAGs when I heard someone say her group had started 25 minutes late! Perhaps someone with you...

[Mr. Bloom]

HG: Sorry we didn't meet you! We even went to Bob Evans for dinner!

Did you do the double century? I was wondering "How hard is it at 120 to pass the turn off for you house just 5 miles away?"

[indysteel]

In my mind, anyone who makes it to the finish line is to be applauded. Speed and time, while laudable results in and of themselves, are not nearly as important as the determination to train for the event, the courage to venture where few have gone before, and the mental fortitude to keep those cranks turning for 160 miles. So, applause for you!!

Thanks. I don't think I was in the best frame of mind when I wrote that yesterday. I was more pooped than pleased. I feel better today about the ride and my performance. I'm being too hard on myself--as usual.

I really l like these ultradistance events though. My goal next year, I think, is a double century. I just need to find one in the general vicinity.