First century FAIL!

[Eden]

Did your rack attach to your seatpost? I don't think you're supposed to clamp racks to carbon seatposts, but I could be wrong.

That is probably why they changed it *but*, they should have told her and she should be sure that the value/quality of the post they put on is good. They shop probably kept the old CF one to resell.... (no they wouldn't get new value from it, but still...I'm not saying they did this as I don't have all the details, but it would be kind of unscrupulous of them if they took a nice CF post and replaced it with a $20 cheapie aluminum one and didn't bother to tell the customer....)

[alpinerabbit]

It's a DNF, not a failure. Next time get your buddies to adjust to your speed, not the other way round.

[smilingcat]

We all DNF at some point in our lives. It's nothing to be ashamed or be upset at yourself. Things like this happen more times than not.

Lot of qudos for riding as long as you did with all the aches and pain. When you get over your aches and pain, I think you'll find yourself to be lot stronger and have lot more endurance than before the ride.

keep riding and enjoy your rides.

[NoNo]

That is probably why they changed it *but*, they should have told her and she should be sure that the value/quality of the post they put on is good. They shop probably kept the old CF one to resell.... (no they wouldn't get new value from it, but still...I'm not saying they did this as I don't have all the details, but it would be kind of unscrupulous of them if they took a nice CF post and replaced it with a $20 cheapie aluminum one and didn't bother to tell the customer....)

That is why they changed it. But it would have been nice to know. And not only did they swap it out without telling me, but they put in an aluminum post that had some kind of carbon-looking decal over it, so you couldn't tell by looking. That just seems deceptive. I'm more upset about the lazy fitting I got and how much damage I've been doing to myself all this time.

Seacoast Century sounds nice. I have friends in the area, I could find a place to crash/shower/eat.

Two weeks in Italy, and we are looking into renting bikes in the first town we're in. There are supposedly a bunch of nature trails there that are nice to explore.

[channlluv]

You made it 70 miles on a bike that didn't fit? I'm with Catriona. That's impressive, DNF or no.

I'm glad you weren't suffering the next day.

Roxy

[NoNo]

You made it 70 miles on a bike that didn't fit? I'm with Catriona. That's impressive, DNF or no.

I'm glad you weren't suffering the next day.

Roxy

Who said I'm not suffering? I had a bit of a limp yesterday as my hips hurt. Today my lower back is cranky and I'm regretting not bringing the heating pad to work. I'll be good in another day or so.

[tctrek]

Way to go, NoNo... you've got what it takes to do whatever you put your mind to do. Gotta love it!

[Reesha]

NoNo-- I totally feel your pain!

My first century ride was a beast with over 3000 feet of climbing, most in the second half and I was riding with a bunch of people I didn't know-- mostly cycling team hammerheads! I paid good money for the registration for a t-shirt, the bbq after... the century took me ten hours. I sobbed as I climbed the last thirty miles or so-- I was in so much pain! I stopped often. I felt awkward that I was making the sag wagon guy wait so long. I crawled into my car at the end and just sobbed-- I'd done it... but I felt kind of humiliated that there was nothing waiting for me at the end and that I'd spent all that money registering for nothing. Bummer!

Anyway, don't let it put you off-- you'll be able to do it, you probably just need to prepare for that kind of long ride a little longer! I haven't done my second century because of my first one yet-- even though I'm getting better!

[bikerHen]

I hope you at least got the shirt Reesha! As one who has often missed the party after the ride I have learned a few things. Collect your shirt before the ride, ride your speed, don't try to "keep up" with anyone and most important leave as early as you can. If I'm doing a 50 miler I always leave with the 100 mile riders. I get drop the first mile and then have a lovely solo ride until the "fast" 50 milers blow by around mile 25. The rest of the ride I have other riders to talk with and I always get back when the party is still going strong. That extra hour really makes a difference! bikerHen