Couldn't Resist

The weather report suggested a “decent” day for a good ride. In the 40’s to 50’s, risking 60 degrees, partly cloudy (which means partly Sunny!) and gentle winds. Well, they’re ALWAYS gentle until it’s a headwind!

I was itching to get out on a “fast bike” but when I realized conditions might be good to squeeze in a Century, that would mean carrying capacity for shedding clothing, so … the Rivendell got the honors. That also meant the day wouldn’t go as fast and I’d have to stay on task to be sure I got home well before rush hour … or DARK.

I tried, I REALLY TRIED to get up at 6am when the alarm went off. But it was still dark, my cat was visiting me in bed and getting his scratches, and my weighted blanket is so warm and cozy …

7:30am comes around and I finally develop enough motivation (guilt) to get my ass up and out the door a bit after 8am. Now I’m pressed for time. I’ve been riding enough to guess how long it will take me to knock this one off. I plotted a 102 mile route the night before, figuring “I’ll do what I can … no promises.” Not 2 miles out the door and POP … my 4th, maybe 5th, flat in 2022. (Gravel King tires are a sweet ride, but man, they sure are delicate for a “gravel” tire.) On the noisy highway at rush hour, finding the puncture was a challenge but locating the offender still stuck in the tire helped locate the pin-prick in the tube. More pressed for time … not optimistic.

Back up and running, I headed southeast toward Macedon on “roads” rather than my usual escape from town via trails … yeah … think I’ll avoid “gravel” today.

My turn-around point was out past Clifton Springs … Toll Road out by the Newark Reservoir. The turn resulted in putting the headwind to my back and picking up the pace toward Canandaigua, where of course, I stop again at Dalai Java for rocket fuel … a Red-Eye and a cookie. I take my goodies to the little park across the street and have a look at the computer: My first stop, 58 miles in and it’s only 1:30.  It’s decision time ... I could just head north to the Auburn Trail and head home via the shortest, most direct route. I’d be sure NOT to be late for dinner. Or, I could try to tough it out … Woolston Road being the “barrier” that could make or break the ride. And Me.

Pain is temporary. Mileage Logs are Forever. Let’s Go.
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Woolston made me feel it.
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The pace slowed down a bit after that, but I was relaxed knowing that I’d certainly knock this one off in time since I’d have a tailwind going home. Until I turned north. The wind had shifted from southeast to northwest. In what seemed like an eternity, I finally reached Mendon Ponds Park and pulled over to refill water bottles. I don’t drink like I should when it’s cool, I dehydrate quickly, and it doesn’t help that I left the house with less than a full bottle. So, a 5 minute stop to drink and refill was required. From Mendon Ponds, the cruise back into the city was pretty simple and putting a foot down in my driveway was a “Special Moment”. I’ve done countless Century rides over the years, but “The First One” each season is important.

It tells me I ain’t dead yet!
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​So, I hope to do several more centuries this season … maybe ten … with #10 on September 10th, 2022 being yet another “Very Special Ride”. Check it out!

https://fundraise.michaeljfox.org/nepr-2022/bcmbike

Peace!
B