2013 Back Roads Century - the first 50

Having met Andrew and Lauren the night before, we exchanged texts early Sunday morning to arrange a meeting spot.  Soon we would be off on our journey.  Clothing was tricky.  It was cool, damp and the sun was barely peeking over the trees.  I started in shorts, jersey (duh), arm warmers, knee warmers and my jacket.  Wool socks and long finger gloves were my choice for the ride.  My digits don't like cool air especially the rebuilt one.  I chose my black sheep socks, after all I'm a mountain biker at heart!  As we rode down the first roads the morning dew glistened on the trees and grass, a few lights were on in the occasional house we passed.  There was little traffic to contend with on the narrow, two lane roads, I guess people were sleeping in.  The roads were smooth and had few pot holes.  We kept up a pretty good pace at first but were passed by many. I guess everyone had a different agenda.  We were all just trying to finish our first centuries.

We found ourselves in a group of about 10-12 people with two people in the front that were squirrelly and all over the road.  I was able to make a break and get around them when we came upon some road kill.   We rode away from that pack for a while.  Soon we would encounter the Ride for Helen squad.  Not sure who Helen is or why they were riding for her.  Unfortunately, one of their riders displayed very poor etiquette swinging out to pass a pack of riders and crossing the double yellow line.  A car nearly hit her.  Why people have to behave so poorly i will never understand. The organizers are the ones who end up fielding compalaints about people like this and their actions jeopardize the future of organized rides like this.

Anyway we meandered north and ended up in West Virginia at a park where the 25mile aide station was.  It was well stocked with food, fluids and the requisite potties.  While at the table getting a snack, I thanked a volunteer for being there.  He seemed completely stunned that someone said that.  Having been a volunteer in all sorts of roles at all sorts of event, I feel inclined to thank those giving their time up for me to enjoy a great event.  

We headed back out soon with the destination of the start line as the midpoint of the ride ass where we started.  We had crossed a few major roads during our trip. It was nice to see how other riders looked out for each other at these.  It was also very surprising when all 4 lanes of traffic stopped to let a large group of use across.  When we arrived back at thte start, I headed to my car to change out some clothing.  Off with the jacket, on with a vest.  Refilled by bottles, grabbed a sip of sweet tea.  The second half of this ride was going to be difficult. I had had too many good rides of late and I hadn't ridden a long ride in a while.  Also, the farthest I've ever ridden was 76.6 miles.  My goal was to get to 80 

The second half blog coming soon.   Sorry I've been busy.  

.

2013 Back Roads Century - prelude

So back in May when I rode the Storming of Thunder Ridge, I decided to attempt a Century by the end of the year.  I did some research on line and found the Back Roads Century in Berryville, VA.  I had been through Berryville several times on my way to PA, but have never stopped.  After posting a note on Facebook about it, I got a message from my WDBJ pal Hank telling me that he grew up in the area and that I could anticipate fairly flat, rolling roads.  

My original plan was to drive up on Saturday, set up my tent (it was free to camp vs expensive motel rooms) then go explore on bike.  Well it decided to rain and rain and rain.  As the forecast began to look worse and worse I elected to scrap the tent plan and sleep in the car.  I've done this in the past and it worked out well then.  I left Roanoke at noon Saturday for the 3 hour drive to Berryville.  It started raining about a mile from my house and would continue to be intermittent for the entire trip.  By the time I got to Berryville it was pretty wet.  I found the Clark Co fairgrounds where I'd be sleeping then decided since it was raining I'd go back to Winchester and go to the mall.  I found some nice work clothes on sale so this turned out to be a good stroke of luck. The monsoon hit about the time I planned to go back to the fairground and cook my dinner.  Sigh!  I wound up getting in touch with the other folks from Roanoke and we met at Ruby Tuesday.  Enjoyed meeting them and staying dry.  

I headed back to Berryville around 8pm and figured I'd just go to bed.  I snuggled down on my Thermarest in the back of my Jeep and drifted off to sleep as the rain continued to fall.  I woke up around 930p and realized the rain had stopped.   I dashed off to the potty and returned to fall sound asleep until about 2am.  After this I dozed on and off until finally getting up at 5:15am. 

The sky was clear, the moon was bright and the stars were beautiful. I stood and gazed up at them for a few minutes.  The air was crisp and fresh, it was going to be a great day....

To be continued...