4th of July 400K - Statesville NC

[tulip]

The landscape in Iredell County and that area is pretty, rolling farmland. And NASCAR flags. Rolling hills, not mountains, but after 400k, I guess even rollers feel like mountains. You'll do great! Wish I could join you (well for part of it at least).

[arielmoon]

Not sure about the riding at night part.

Have fun though!

[Pedal Wench]

It was the Statesville 400K - meandered from Statesville through Lenoir, then Marion, then up and over through Little Switzerland, past Emerald Mines, then back up and over on 80 to Marion, then back. Great route, midnight start, all good. I had that spell I wanted to quit, but was glad I went on - what a great climb. My thoughts about how slow you go was driven home when I was climbing back up to the Blue Ridge the second time and two women just blew past me on the climb. Then I realized that I was 140 miles into my ride, I had started at midnight with only a nap, and I was carrying a few extra pounds of gear. I had gotten separated from the folks I was with during the night (I get dropped on the descents -oh and my front brake was rubbing for 110 miles - go figure) and was alone when I got hit by a dog. Somehow stayed upright, and the dog looked okay, but confused. Then around mile 175, my knee just started to kill me whenever I bent it. I was coasting down everything I could, even just a slight downhill grade. I was gonna keep going, but the ride director drove up to check on me, and I knew I should give up. If I hadn't, it would have taken me hours for the last 50 miles. As it was, my knee hurt so badly afterwards that I was in tears trying to walk to the restroom. I need to figure this out before my next attempt!

[Blueberry]

Sounds like you definitely made the right decision! Here's hoping you can sort out whatever is causing you issues with that bike...

CA

[maillotpois]

Congrats on your attempt. Most people don't have the guts to even start a ride like that so you should be proud of yourself! And it sounds like you had your share of problems arise.

Take care of that knee. Have you had a good bike fit? Be sure that you do - that is key.

[Pedal Wench]

Thanks, guys,

MP, the bike is fine on other rides - did a century on it last weekend without a glitch. I'm almost wondering if it's my gearing. I'm a slow climber, and add in a loaded bike (five lights, five sets of batteries, etc.) and a hilly route, and hills that I could climb without effort on a regular day become a mash-fest on a longer ride.

Guess I'll have to sign up for another, soon, and try to figure it out!

[skinimini]

Well done, Pedal! I can't ever imagine riding 175 miles at one time, much less the whole 400k. I even get twitchy when it's dusk. I'd be petrified in the wee hours, in the mountains, all by myself.

You made the right decision to stop and take care of that knee. I know you wanted to finish, but there's always next time. Get well and hope to see you around Atlanta again sometime.