Firstly, MANY thanks
to Bill and his crew of intrepid SAG drivers. I can see why people were
recommending camelbacks. In the absence of a SAG vehicle, you’d have to have
one. I think I’ll carry one next year anyway, because I’d waste less time
stopping to re-fill water, for fear of running out when no re-fill is
available….
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The first day, and
most of the second, we rode together, more or less. At least we regularly
re-grouped at key points.
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The dinner was
delicious-absolutely super. The people at the hotel were really nice and seemed
glad to have us. Riding all the way to the lake was well worth it.
Even with 95
miles of hard riding behind you, it’s hard not to get a second wind when you
crest the little hill before the lake and see all the mountains and water
stretching out in front of you.
The weather was perfect-sunny but not too hot
(with the possible exception of the climb up Rattlesnake on day 2)
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I was tired (in terms
of sleep deprived) the first day, but not too much to enjoy the ride. The second
day I made some major tactical errors in the eating department and bonked
massively going up Rattlesnake.
I’d probably still be peddling up the hill if it
wasn’t for Kristi and her supply of emergency cookies (I also neglected to pack
any fast carb food in my pack). She saved the day and I successfully wobbled to
the top of the hill. By the time we got to Anatone I was feeling fine again.
Sean, Doug and Gerard were long gone at that point, but Bill had to change a
tire so he and Andy were still there . Mario and I joined them and we rode into
town together.
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This is a hard ride,
and if we were able to round up a few more SAG drivers so people would have the
option of SAGging when they get tired it might really help our attendance.
Maybe
we could have a designated ‘pick-up car’ to collect tired riders and a food and
drink car to cover everyone else.
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The company was great;
it was a really fun group. Of course I was slower, the unfortunate story of my
life, but all things considered I was fairly happy with my pace. 13MPH average
the first day, 15MPH the second day.
I think with better eating and more than
one century ride for training prior to Joseph, I could do quite a bit better next year.
Not stopping so often for water would help cut a lot of time off too. So I plan
to join the herd of dorky camelback wearers next year!
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Thanks again to Bill
for not letting this ride die!
Stephanie Goeckner