First Century--semi unsupported

[7rider]

How awesome!!!

Congratulations on an excellent ride!

[Tuckervill]

Congratulations! Great time for a first ride!

Karen

[arielmoon]

Good for you for making it happen!! Congratulations!! and YAY! for SAG hubby!

[SouthernBelle]

very good. I admire your determination and don't blame you for wanting to bypass thunder and lightening.

[squirrell]

I know many of you have done lots of Centuries but this was really special for me not just because it was my first either. But because a little over 6 months, I was 140 pounds overweight, my Diabetes and BP were out of control, I was on 7 pills a day (prescribed), and the first time I rode, it took me 1 hour and 40 minutes to go 4 miles, and I thought I would die!

So, seeing that 100 miles come up on my odometer was something that meant a lot to me beyond just being a "100 mile ride." It meant that I am finally and for the first time in a very long time, getting my body into a healthy condition--slowly but surely anyway!

But, I'm so glad I went yesterday! It is windy, windy, windy, today and raining off and on. conditions are supposed to deteriorate throughout the day.

We just went down to the start to get my T-Shirt and guess what? One of the women taking part in the Tour today had crashed!

Her DH was in front of her on his bike and missed a turn; he turned real fast, she tried to follow, but with the wet roads, she lost traction and crashed into him. he was ok but she was hurt. We stopped to help--my DH has training as a Wilderness First Responder. We stayed until the ambulance came. The woman was 59 years old and they were only 6 miles into their 60 mile option route. My DH says he thinks she broke her hip!

The route actually runs right in front of our house, so I'm sitting here now, sipping on coffee, and watching all the cyclists ride by in the wind and rain. Poor people! I've seen a few come back by now and since the Tour doesn't return by my house, I know that means they've changed their mind about the longer distances anyway and are heading back. Too bad, too, because it really is a great route.

[Aggie_Ama]

Awesome! I have done many centuries (okay I think just 5 or 10 if you count 95-99 miles). The most memorable was the first self supported and the 94.8 epic almost century this spring. Something about knowing you pushed yourself on your own is very gratifying. Oh and I have done one where it rained the first hour, you made the right choice. That one lots of wrecks and then another several hours of damp socks. Not the best way to do 100 miles.

Congratulations and welcome to the club. Little Mule too!

[Mr. Bloom]

Squirrell - that is outstanding! Congrats on the achievement!

[cosc]

Bravooo-on your century. Pretty speedy too, compared to me. Your now an official gutsy women.
Wonderful that you've been able to gain a health body.

[Blueberry]

I know many of you have done lots of Centuries but this was really special for me not just because it was my first either. But because a little over 6 months, I was 140 pounds overweight, my Diabetes and BP were out of control, I was on 7 pills a day (prescribed), and the first time I rode, it took me 1 hour and 40 minutes to go 4 miles, and I thought I would die!

Wow! Just Wow! To come that far in 6 months!!! That's awesome! And I can't imagine doing a first century alone. That's amazing too!!

CA

[redrhodie]

Bravo! What an amazing story! You've come a long way, baby!