Oregon Coast 600K Ride Report

[colby]

Not long after, it started to sprinkle. Then drizzle. Then shower. I once read somewhere that the Eskimos have something like 1000 different words to describe snow. I often think that those of us who live in the Pacific Northwest have nearly as many words to describe rain.

I forgot to comment on this, but you are so right. A friend of mine has used the 1000 words for snow/rain analogy on me. Once, we traveled to San Francisco together, and it was semi-raining on and off, what I'd call drizzle and showers, not a downpour or anything. She would say, "it's raining" and I would say "it's not really raining... it's more of a drizzle." We'd go outside later, and I'd say "see, it's barely raining, more like a mist" and she'd reply "it's raining." Eventually it did start to actually rain with some effort, and I said "see, these drops are big, now it's raining" and she'd reply "it's POURING RAIN now, what's wrong with you people."

[azfiddle]

Wow- thanks for sharing your epic adventure. It's a remarkable accomplishment.

[Bike Chick]

You are awesome, Susan! Aren't you glad you did it? Congratulations and thanks for sharing.

[Susan Otcenas]

I forgot to comment on this, but you are so right. A friend of mine has used the 1000 words for snow/rain analogy on me. Once, we traveled to San Francisco together, and it was semi-raining on and off, what I'd call drizzle and showers, not a downpour or anything. She would say, "it's raining" and I would say "it's not really raining... it's more of a drizzle." We'd go outside later, and I'd say "see, it's barely raining, more like a mist" and she'd reply "it's raining." Eventually it did start to actually rain with some effort, and I said "see, these drops are big, now it's raining" and she'd reply "it's POURING RAIN now, what's wrong with you people."

Precisely!

[Biciclista]

The fact that you can sleep will protect you somewhat from the biggest problem that faces people that do these long rides, inattentiveness due to fatigue. You were talking about how you of all people should have worn the right gear... but you like any one else become vulnerable and can make bad decisions when you are sleepy..
So what you need to do is develop methods to insure that you will not "drop balls" - forget important gear or be in a position to make critical decisions while your critical decision maker part of your brain is out to lunch. I won't pretend i do long rides myself, but I have watched my husband (who is by nature a true scatterbrain) develop routines that he uses for his big rides, (like pre packing and using lists) that have really saved his butt. On the other hand, too many times I have seen the best of them make really stupid little mistakes (like leaving their brevet cards with the candy wrappers and then throwing it all away).
You do have what it takes, Susan. sure, it was easier because you knew the territory. But as you do more of these rides (and I know you're going to) you'll develop confidence. There's a reason you have to qualify before you do the PBP..

[Pedal Wench]

I'm so happy you finished with a smile on your face! You're an inspiration!

[spindizzy]

I read through your post yesterday and have thought about it on and off today. What an accomplishment! I am so amazed at your mental strength. Your ability to get it done, and you listening to Steve when he was helping you at a low moment - right place, right time, right words..karma...

Congratulations!