The morning was cold and wet. Rain had started falling earlier in the night and it was not predicted to let up. Our start was delayed 1 hour which gave time to put on two jerseys, arm warmers, leg warmers, plastic bags over the socks, gloves and a rain jacket. Despite rain or cold I was determined to complete the century ride no matter what.
The course was challenging and the wet streets did not make it any easier. Weather conditions deterred about 100 riders from riding altogether. We started on the top of a mountain at the Killington Lodge. The first 10 miles was straight down. On dry streets you could do 35 to 40 mph without trying, but on wet pavement I had to ride the brake to keep speeds at 20 to 25 mph.
The mid part of the course was rolling hills surrounded by tall leafy trees on either side of road. It was beautiful country. I passed farmhouses, green meadows, covered bridges, and small, quaint New England towns. As I reached the rest stop at the 40 mile I had a decision: press on around the loop or turn around there and head back. I pressed on. Soon I realized why many decided to turn back. I faced a series of challenging climbs. As you approach the crest you think that you are about to make it the top only to find out there is another equally steep climb ahead. There were a series of 4 such climbs. After the last crest it was nearly straight down to complete the loop back to the 60 mile rest stop (which is the same as the 40 mile one.)
Over halfway done. Cold and wet had seeped in now. I moved forward at a steady space and tackled one additional lengthy climb. I was traversing the course in reverse now and recognized many of the landmarks. Moving at a slower pace (since it was now mostly up-hill) I was able to soak in the sights and savor the experience. Cheering spectators ringing cow bells passed periodically in shoe-polished cars to give the riders an emotional lift. At the 90 mile rest stop I welcomed the hot cider...it hit the spot.
Only 10 miles to go...but the toughest 10. Remember the mountain I rode down at the start of
the ride? Well, now I had to go up it...and it was steep. Chugging along in my lowest gear I realized that I could not stop or coast for I would never be able to get going again on the incline. So I churned away. In the distance I heard some cheers and saw the finish line banner. As the cheers of encouragement grew louder I spun just a little faster to get across the finish line. When I passed Stacey was there to hug and kiss me with tears of happiness streaming down her cheek. I received my medal and exchanged my aluminum steed for a cup of hot soup and a cold beer.
The ride was a great experience and the entire weekend was well organized and inspirational. I was very satisfied with my preparation and performance but I realized that even before I completed one petal stroke I was successful. Because of my supporters' generosity I was able to raise over $9000 for Diabetes research that I believe will ultimately benefit Lance. Killington riders as a whole raised $1.4 million for JDRF. Wow! Thanks again for your support.
Next year in Sonoma!
The course was challenging and the wet streets did not make it any easier. Weather conditions deterred about 100 riders from riding altogether. We started on the top of a mountain at the Killington Lodge. The first 10 miles was straight down. On dry streets you could do 35 to 40 mph without trying, but on wet pavement I had to ride the brake to keep speeds at 20 to 25 mph.
The mid part of the course was rolling hills surrounded by tall leafy trees on either side of road. It was beautiful country. I passed farmhouses, green meadows, covered bridges, and small, quaint New England towns. As I reached the rest stop at the 40 mile I had a decision: press on around the loop or turn around there and head back. I pressed on. Soon I realized why many decided to turn back. I faced a series of challenging climbs. As you approach the crest you think that you are about to make it the top only to find out there is another equally steep climb ahead. There were a series of 4 such climbs. After the last crest it was nearly straight down to complete the loop back to the 60 mile rest stop (which is the same as the 40 mile one.)Over halfway done. Cold and wet had seeped in now. I moved forward at a steady space and tackled one additional lengthy climb. I was traversing the course in reverse now and recognized many of the landmarks. Moving at a slower pace (since it was now mostly up-hill) I was able to soak in the sights and savor the experience. Cheering spectators ringing cow bells passed periodically in shoe-polished cars to give the riders an emotional lift. At the 90 mile rest stop I welcomed the hot cider...it hit the spot.
Only 10 miles to go...but the toughest 10. Remember the mountain I rode down at the start of
the ride? Well, now I had to go up it...and it was steep. Chugging along in my lowest gear I realized that I could not stop or coast for I would never be able to get going again on the incline. So I churned away. In the distance I heard some cheers and saw the finish line banner. As the cheers of encouragement grew louder I spun just a little faster to get across the finish line. When I passed Stacey was there to hug and kiss me with tears of happiness streaming down her cheek. I received my medal and exchanged my aluminum steed for a cup of hot soup and a cold beer.The ride was a great experience and the entire weekend was well organized and inspirational. I was very satisfied with my preparation and performance but I realized that even before I completed one petal stroke I was successful. Because of my supporters' generosity I was able to raise over $9000 for Diabetes research that I believe will ultimately benefit Lance. Killington riders as a whole raised $1.4 million for JDRF. Wow! Thanks again for your support.
Next year in Sonoma!
