First Century--semi unsupported

[squirrell]

I was supposed to be riding today in the "Tour Between the Waters" here on the Eastern Shore of VA. I had signed up for the Century length, my first!

BUT, I got up yesterday and saw the weather forecast for today:
"Cloudy with showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms. Windy with highs in the upper 60s. Southeast winds 25 to 30 mph with gusts to 40 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent"

So, I told my DH that I was heading out to do my own Century a day early! Yesterday's weather was better--winds 8-15mph with temps high of 59 degrees. Gusts to 18mph.

I had my DH drop me off in Wachaprague at the "official" start of the Tour and just set off following their road arrows and markings. The course was extremely well-marked and even without cue-sheets I had no problem following the route. My DH acted as SAG and brought me lunch and more to-take-along snacks at the "official" lunch stop and called a couple times to check on me as well.

Ride went well. Winds were a bear at times and slowed me down but I did 100.54 miles in 7 hours and 5 minutes--averaging just under 15mph.

My legs aren't even sore today, which I thought for sure they would be but they do feel a little "tight." I'll probably do some yoga for cyclists later to stretch everything out.

My Trek did great! My back got a little achy around the 80 mile mark but not so bad as to be unbearable. The butt never hurt at all--thankfully!

I'm going down this morning when the "official" Tour starts to get my T-Shirt from them. Oh, yeah, it's pouring rain even now. So glad I did it yesterday!

Setting out


Last few yards



My "Little Mule" and I celebrate!