Big Damm Bridge

[TrekTheKaty]

Sorry I didn't check in. Hubby and I drove down. I did the 100K and he did the 100 mile. I used to like the "show" that marathons put on, and this bike ride is a perfect example of a marathon caliber ride! I liked the start--complete with military fly over--but we stayed at the Doubletree :-) Loved the police support (I was out of breath from thanking them all). DH said there was some brutal hills over on the hundred. I though the 100K was easy until about mile 45, then I was ready for the "rolling" course to flatten out! And isn't 69 miles more than a metric?

Arkansas was beautiful. Downtown River Bike Path was awesome. I even saw a red fox. However, I missed all but 2 rest stops--volunteers directing traffic were "accidentally" sending people on ("that's just the 50 mile turnaround--100K stay straight"). First class support including pickle juice! Great finish line--again, reminded me of my marathon days!

I wish we could have convinced more family members to go. The whole field stays together in the beginning so it's great for all abilities.

Does anyone know about the wrecks? I saw one in the beginning (later heard it was a broken bone) and DH said he saw two bad ones over on the 100 miler? Psyclepath?

[PscyclePath]

Does anyone know about the wrecks? I saw one in the beginning (later heard it was a broken bone) and DH said he saw two bad ones over on the 100 miler? Psyclepath?

I stopped with one fellow down by Murray Park, just before the BDB... he had crossed wheels with the rider in front, took a short trip over the bars, and broke his collar bone. I was on the 50-mile route this time, so I missed the fun of Billy Goat Hill and Round Mountain, but haven't heard of the bad crashes like last year's. The road is kind of rough going up to Mayflower, and it gets a lot worse as you head east on the 100-mile loop... gotta be careful, and try not to out-ride your guardian angel out there.

Tom

[TrekTheKaty]

Well, I guess I went right by you Psyclepath--I saw that one before the paramedics arrived. DH said it wasn't rocket science--don't do 45 down a hill in a large group--but apparently that isn't standard thinking. Yep, Mayflower. Maybe I'll do the 50 mile next year--but I wanted the metric as a training ride for my century on the 11th!