I did the Dempsey Challenge (charity ride in central Maine) yesterday…had signed up for the 100-mile ride but only did the 70 b/c I was not going to make the time cutoff and got rerouted at the point where the two courses split. Actually, I probably would have decided on my own to just do the 70 given the conditions yesterday…it was pretty cold (below freezing at the beginning) and WINDY. There was a headwind for most of the ride, making it extra tough (and it's already a fairly hilly ride…one hill is known as "puke hill" and is long and gets steeper as you go up). I was pretty wiped out by the end of it and was glad to have finished! Next time I may just do the 50 miler, to keep it enjoyable and not stressful. It was interesting seeing what bikes everyone else had…I did not see one other Surly (maybe they were all on the shorter rides) and some people were riding what looked like triathlon type bikes. The ride is really well organized and there is a variety of good stuff at the rest stops, including hot apple cider and hot chocolate, which were really welcome on the chilly ride yesterday. There is also a lobster dinner and beer from a local brewery at the end which is a nice way to top off the day. I think more people might have stayed around for the post-ride festivities if it had been a little warmer! Today I am being a lazy bum before heading into work this afternoon.