128 miles yesterday- finished my third 200k brevet

[azfiddle]

I'm not what you'd call a committed randonneur, but I managed to complete my third ever 200k (permanent) yesterday. I rode with my husband, the woman who "owns" the route and 5 other folks.

The weather was very mild- about 45 to start with a high around 70 degrees, about 5000 feet of elevation gain. The first 40 miles were the toughest- more than half the climbing and headwinds around 15 with gusts over 20. Although never had true tailwinds, we eventually got a break. The last quarter was almost all downhill, which we appreciate.

I had a flat about 25 miles from the end, and even though I checked the tire carefully, ruined a tube because I didn't find the thorn at first. We finished in about 12 hours.

The route goes through desert, and then a lot of higher desert grassland, just below the oak zone. There's a 10 mile stretch that requires riding on Interstate 10 as there is no other road.

I had some stomach issues in the first half, and tired quads but I stretched at every stop and eventually my stomach and legs felt better so I felt pretty good at the end.

I will try to post a few pictures.

[salsabike]

Please do post some pics! And congrats. Sounds like it was no joke with that headwind and early climbing.

[Crankin]

That sounds really tough! Congrats.
Riding on I-10 !

[azfiddle]

I don't know how to make these bigger than thumbnails- but you can click on them. First one- at the start (actually still dark but the camera had a good flash) and second one- sun's up. I'm in the red windbreaker

[azfiddle]

Attachment 17516Attachment 17517Attachment 17518Attachment 17519


A relic at the actual "Mustang Corners"- phone booths! The next three are out in the grasslands near Sonoita. My friend Amy in front, I'm in the back (all these were taken by my husband Chuck). We saw a herd of Pronghorn Antelope!

**Sorry - the photos didn't attach- I'll try to do them again later

[azfiddle]

On the downhill headed back- including the flat-fixing

[lauraelmore1033]

Wow! What a ride!

[Helene2013]

Wow. Congrats. It is a long ride. When I do 100km I think I'm good. haha I cannot imagine 200k. You rock!

[rebeccaC]

Sounds like a good challenging ride!!! Did you figure out what caused the stomach issues?

….and flats are just the occasional unexpected adventure life throws our way to help us grow on our path of zen inner tube enlightenment

[salsabike]

….and flats are just the occasional unexpected adventure life throws our way to help us grow on our path of zen inner tube enlightenment

[pll]

Congratulations azfiddle!

[azfiddle]

I didn't really know what bothered my stomach. It started around 42miles or so - fairly early on, and I didn't bring or buy anything I don't usually eat . I had a Payday bar and before that a handful of peanut butter pretzels, cashew and chocolate covered raisins. I had electrolytes in one watebottle , some shot blocks and the home made pan forte fruit-nut bars I bring all the time. Later on - I felt better and the wind was less of an issue. I definitely got a second wind on the way home, after the nice long downhill section.

I don't know that I would ever go for a longer brevet (300k or more) but the 200k distance is do-able and makes me feel like I've really accomplished something.

[AppleTree]

Way to go azfiddle, 124 miles in one day is nothing to sneeze at...especially with the hills and wind!! And with an upset tummy too...glad you made it through that AND a flat tire. You are hard core!

[emily_in_nc]

Wow, congratulations! I can't imagine riding that many miles, especially with hills.

You rock!

[smilingcat]

Congratulation. beautiful place. Someone is riding a recumbent I see.