We'll see how this CA boy does in the rain today.
Stay tuned.......
Monday Night Quick Update since its 0845 pm and we have to ride 88 tomorrow:
The WX in the morning was so filled with lightning that the tour director would not allow anyone to ride. We waited, and waited for it to clear and finally at 10:30 we were allowed to start. That's pretty late to start a 108 mile ride but off we went into a rather dark sky.
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| Kind of an angry sky but at least no lightning for now. |
I was pretty determined to keep up a good pace and keep the SAG stops short in order to beat the heat, the possibility of more rain and not arrive too late. The WX cooperated with moderate temps in the upper 70s and low 80s and favorable winds. I had a really good day, feeling pretty strong for the entire ride. I completed the ride in 7H 15 minutes elapsed time; 6H 39 minutes riding time for an average of 16.3 mph for the 108.83 miles. That is the fastest century I've ever completed.
At the last SAG, Mike and I departed with Nick H from the UK and the three of us really worked hard covering the last 35 miles together. Aided by a nice road and a slight tailwind, we were commonly moving at about 21-22 mph. When the lead rider got tired, he rotated back and the once-second-place rider was now in the 'pull' position and the pace continued. Here is a picture I took as I rotated to the back and Mike is now pulling us along. After stowing the camera, I slid in right behind Nick. This 30 mile stretch was really fun!!
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| Mike K and Nick H in our pace line for the final 35 miles. 21-22 mph!!! |
Because of the rainy and wet road conditions, the bikes got really messy. The chain and gears picked up a lot of road grime so the first thing we did was degrease and re-lube those parts. If you don't its like running nice machinery with sandpaper in the works. You can't believe how hard it is to bend over and squat down to clean the bike after having just completed a 109 mile ride minutes before. But, I knew if I didn't clean things then, I would wimp out and not do it at all so...
Good night.
P.S. Michele visited the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum today so I'm sure she'll be posting those results soon.
The Lincoln Home, which is the only home they ever owned and lived for 17 years was fantastic. Not only the home but the entire street the Lincoln's lived on was reconstructed to the way it was when they lived there. Also, the museum was outstanding and really brought the Lincoln years to life with impressive multimedia visual displays and special effects. It was a very unique approach to a presidential library and quite captivating. Unfortunately, I am not able to upload any pictures at this time. -Michele
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| Take care of the bike so it will continue to take care of me..... |
Day 31: Quincy IL to Springfield IL by xctom2012 at Garmin Connect - Details
3 comments:
Keep it up Tom! 2/3rd's there!!
Tom we're all pulling for you!
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and youn men stumble and fall; but those who put their hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-31
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