The day of RAIN (Ride Across INdiana)

[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?"

[HoosierGiant]

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?"

I heard you went to Bob Evans; we didn't even make it to the hotel until sometime after 7:30. (Logistical issues getting all the vehicles where we needed them to be at opposite sides of the state.)

Passed on the double century due to an approaching storm and the fact that our sitter for the girls had to leave.

Any of the left-hand turns in Knightstown (128 miles) would have gotten us home. Thought never even crossed my mind though because I LOVE the last 50 miles of that course! Once we hit Greenfield and are finally back on smooth pavement, I fly! (Well, fly for me.) And that's just waaaay too much fun!

Congrats to all of you!

[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.

[HoosierGiant]

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.

LMK if you hear of one -- it's my next goal.

[Mr. SR500]

Wow - 200 miles! My next goal is the 10 mile TT Wednesday. I figure I can last that long. Great thread, we really enjoyed meeting everyone.

[indysteel]

LMK if you hear of one -- it's my next goal.

I've done a bit of research and can't seem to find much in the way of doubles around here. California definitely has the lock on them. There are some brevet series in Illinois, Ohio and Tennessee. Unfortunately, some of the rides that are most appealing to me are very early in the season. Grrrr. I'll keep my eye out for something though.

Good luck at your 10 mile TT, Mr. SR500. It was nice to meet you, too. I hope you're feeling better soon.

[makbike]

Indy, keep any eye on the Louisville Bicycle Club's schedule as well. They just did a double a couple of weeks ago.

http://www.louisvillebicycleclub.org/

They have a 140 this weekend.

[indysteel]

Indy, keep any eye on the Louisville Bicycle Club's schedule as well. They just did a double a couple of weeks ago.

http://www.louisvillebicycleclub.org/

They have a 140 this weekend.

Thanks so much MB! I could easily do a ride in or around Louisville. Is the double an annual event? Are you doing the 140? If so, you're my new hero!!!! Heck, even if you're not, you're my hero!

[Veronica]

I've done a bit of research and can't seem to find much in the way of doubles around here. California definitely has the lock on them.

You could always plan a trip to CA. Just come prepared to climb. I've done six of the doubles out here. They all have long, sustained 3 - 10 mile climbs. Solvang Spring is a lovely first double and in a nice area, with only 6,900 feet of climbing. It was my first double. But it is held in March.

In June you could do the Grand Tour with 8,300 feet of climb. I haven't done that, so can't tell you much about it.

If you want beautiful scenery, Tam in August, Central Coast in May and Eastern Sierra in June would be my picks. They all have more than 10,000 feet of climbing. If you want great support, Knoxville in Sept. is your double.

A lot of people do Davis as their first double. It is very flat at the beginning and end, but still has 8,400 feet of climbing.

Good luck in your search. I hope you can find something closer to home.

V.

[indysteel]

You could always plan a trip to CA. Just come prepared to climb. I've done six of the doubles out here. They all have long, sustained 3 - 10 mile climbs. Solvang Spring is a lovely first double and in a nice area, with only 6,900 feet of climbing. It was my first double. But it is held in March.

In June you could do the Grand Tour with 8,300 feet of climb. I haven't done that, so can't tell you much about it.

If you want beautiful scenery, Tam in August, Central Coast in May and Eastern Sierra in June would be my picks. They all have more than 10,000 feet of climbing. If you want great support, Knoxville in Sept. is your double.

A lot of people do Davis as their first double. It is very flat at the beginning and end, but still has 8,400 feet of climbing.

Good luck in your search. I hope you can find something closer to home.

V.

I'd love to take a cycling trip to CA. I just can't seem to get my head around shipping my bike so I'd have to work that out first, or rent something. But my body is like Goldilocks on speed. If things are not "just so" (and you'd want to be for a double), my body complains. Loudly.

Granted, you gotta love to climb in CA, but I'm envious of just how many cool events you have. They're harder to come by in the Midwest. Not impossible; just harder. That's why I keep treking to Kentucky and Tennessee. It's the prettiest riding within a reasonable driving distance to Indiana.

[Mr. SR500]

I've done a bit of research and can't seem to find much in the way of doubles around here. California definitely has the lock on them. There are some brevet series in Illinois, Ohio and Tennessee. Unfortunately, some of the rides that are most appealing to me are very early in the season. Grrrr. I'll keep my eye out for something though.

Good luck at your 10 mile TT, Mr. SR500. It was nice to meet you, too. I hope you're feeling better soon.

The TT went fine, not as fast as I had hoped, but good baseline for next month.

Thanks