So! This is the farthest I've ever ridden! (I've got a couple metric centuries under my belt, but from years ago.) I was worried I'd be beat, but I felt really strong the whole way. Felt like I could've done 100 miles (but glad I didn't). The weather was great, nice and cool. It started getting hot just in the last hour or so. It was breezy, with some annoying headwinds at times. I had accidentally grabbed hubby's helmet and gloves in the dark. His helmet was fine, but the gloves were disgusting and holey. So I went without. I didn't actually miss the gloves until about 40 miles or so. Today, my left wrist still hurts, unfortunately. Also, my right knee started hurting, just above the kneecap. It got bad enough in the final 25 miles that I started using mostly left leg. Besides the knee, I felt really strong. We kept a 15 mph pace, no problem. There were feed zones every 12 to 15 miles, so it was easy peasy to just ride to the next one, get a snack, fill a water bottle, and keep going. The last 8 miles were on trail along route 5, which was just delightful: rolling, no traffic to worry about, beautiful. The only other problem I had was pollen in the eyes. They got really bothered a few times. M was hurting from a crossfit workout, so she had to stretch her back every feed zone, but she had a good day and did her 100+ miles for the first time!

Not sure. If there was a way to prevent the knee pain, I'd like to know. Maybe I need a bike fit...

Cookies! The Courthouse Grille in Charles City had the most awesome cookies out for everyone.


Just the knee. Otherwise I could have pushed it more.


The feed zones were awesome, well stocked, with friendly volunteers. My only complaint is that there was no meat. They did have cold rice/beans/corn burritos, of which I had two. My riding buddies were not up to trying cold burritos, but that was the best cold rice & beans I've ever had! The Rockett's Landing after party looked good, but we went through at 10:30 am, so it was barely starting.