1st Century Report ... Amtrak

[Jiffer]

Thanks, everyone. The happiness in the photo is definitely the happiness of being DONE!!! Having accomplished the goal. Woo hoo!

Yes, the weather was pretty nice. It was actually overcast for more than half the ride, and a bit humid, but over all nice cycling weather. When the sun came out we started to feel the warmth, then during the last ten miles, we actually faced some pretty strong head winds around Mission Bay, which we did NOT like. My husband had my friend's husband come up to the front next to him to form a better draft for us girlies.

[Fujichants]

Good job Jiffer! I was at the finish line (or finish location more like it) to pick up BF and it was HOT! He told me there was a tough hill over at Torrey Pines...I am happy I didn't have to ride that!

You (and your bike) look great in that picture!

[smilingcat]

The infamous Torrey Pine Grade. Did they go through the park or stay on the road??

Strange my friend didn't say a peep about working the Amtrack Century. It is a beautiful ride.

And congratulation on your first century. A very pleasant century ride.

BTW, weren't you wearing a glove??

smilingcat

[sundial]

Wow, you did a GREAT job on that century. Your pace is certainly nothing to sneeze at. Congratulations on an excellent ride!

[Jiffer]

Yes, Torrey Pines was a big challenge, but I've done it twice on the tandem, so I was familiar with it. Yet, I was definitely nervous about conquering it on my own bike without my crazy hill loving husband to help get me up. I made a point to take a break just before the last down hill before Torrey Pines. I stretched really good and finally said to Dh, "Okay, I procrastinated as long as I can. Let's go do it." So, the hill came (all on the road, smilingcat) and I have to say, it wasn't nearly as horrible as I was anticipating. Yay! I was one of the slowest ones and it was certainly no small deal, but I have done a lot of hill work this year, some of which was more difficult than Torrey Pines. And, having done Torrey before and remembering how it seemed like forever to finally get to the top ... this time I was actually thrilled when I was at the top a bit sooner than I expected!

Fujichant, it's funny how I didn't really notice the heat at the end. I was just in the "get 'er done" zone. It's hotter standing still, than moving "swiftly" on the bike, as I was doing! Hee hee! Definitely noticed the heat whenever we stopped at a signal, but not so much in between. I've got some nice biker tan lines now, though, which I'm not so happy about. My husband has "cycling helmet" sun burn on his bald head! I can't believe he's never gotten it before, but this is the first. He's done lots of centuries, but has probably never been out on his bike as long as this because he finishes so much faster without pulling ME along!