The day of RAIN (Ride Across INdiana)

[sundial]

[B]
The sky was ominously bright with vivid lightning. It was spooky. But, NO THUNDER. I believe it was a severe thunderstone that Geonz was probably experiencing in Champaign/Urbana, but it was scary nonetheless since I was already apprehensive.

As it got lighter approaching the 7AM start, the sky was less ominious but cloudy nonetheless. At 6:55, it started RAINING.

I feel like I'm reading something out of National Geographic. What a wonderful tale to share with the grandchildren. I'm glad you all enjoyed not only the companionship but an excellent ride as well. Congratulations to the Silvers, Makbike, Indysteel, SR500s, and other courageous adventurers as well.

[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!

[makbike]

I can't do the 140 this weekend for my parents are coming in for a visit. It is a tough 140 - not flat like RaIN - lots of climbing on this baby.

The double is an annual event. If they put it on the schedule again this year I'll let you know. They often host centuries on Saturday and Sunday if you want to do back to back ones.

There is a century on 7/26 that throws in the infamous Pottershop Hills. If you have ridden the Old Kentucky Home Tour century you would remember this bad boys for they come in around mile 90 or so. This is suppose to be a very tough ride and I'm looking forward to it. They are also hosting a century the next day. I don't much about this one but if my legs aren't too wiped out from Pottershop I may join in the fun.

So many choices so little time!

[indysteel]

I can't do the 140 this weekend for my parents are coming in for a visit. It is a tough 140 - not flat like RaIN - lots of climbing on this baby.

The double is an annual event. If they put it on the schedule again this year I'll let you know. They often host centuries on Saturday and Sunday if you want to do back to back ones.

There is a century on 7/26 that throws in the infamous Pottershop Hills. If you have ridden the Old Kentucky Home Tour century you would remember this bad boys for they come in around mile 90 or so. This is suppose to be a very tough ride and I'm looking forward to it. They are also hosting a century the next day. I don't much about this one but if my legs aren't too wiped out from Pottershop I may join in the fun.

So many choices so little time!

I just took a look at your club's calendar for August. Wow. There are a number of centuries. Our club hosts all of, uh, zero centuries at this point. In fact, our calendar for this year has been the pits. I'm going to keep several of them in mind. I can't do the OKHT. Well, I could, but I better rest my legs for BRAT instead.

Thanks for giving me the head's up. It looks like you have a great club.

[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.

[makbike]

The LBC is a great club and very active. They offer a variety of rides (distance and levels) in an attempt to accommodate most riders. Should you decide to venture down know whatever ride you pick you will be made to feel very welcome.

The century on 8/2 is a tough one, so I've been told. I've never tackled it but will be there this year to defend my current 1st place standing in the MadDog contest. MadDog centuries are a lot of fun. There will be a lot of riders and a lot of good stories to listen to as the day passes. This ride is listed, I believe, on www.kybikerides.org. Susan is a great ride captain.

The century on 8/10 is a great one and Larry is an outstanding ride captain. His rides are always very scenic.

Melissa is also hosting several centuries in August. She too is an outstanding ride captain. She too puts together some great rides. Her Packman's Hint is a great route.

If you decide to come down for any of the club's rides let me know. I'd be honored to ride with you and introduce you to some great club members.

[Mr. Bloom]

indy:

I don't know what a 4x50 is...but here's one in August in Illinois:

http://www.ultramidwest.net/


I'm not back on the bike yet...Got a massage today and now my legs feel great!

I'm cleaning my bike tonight and riding tomorrow!

[Mr. Bloom]

Here's an idea...as an intermediary step:

Come ride the Hilly Hundred with Silver and me...doing each daily course twice.

[pll]

The Hilly Hundred is one ride I'd love to do.

Congratulations to all that did RAIN! Very impressive reports.

Here's an idea...as an intermediary step:

Come ride the Hilly Hundred with Silver and me...doing each daily course twice.