March 27 200K

Here is my half ass attempt at a write up on my 200K with the Ohio Randonneurs from Saturday. At 7:30 am with a temperature of around 30 degrees roughly 65 riders set out on the 200k. I like that the first turn we made was an illegal left! From the beginning I tried to just ride own pace and not to over do it too early. That many riders starting at the same time groups eventually form, break up, and reform later. So riding with a few different groups of people. There was an informational checkpoint 15 miles out that was a quick stop, write, get back on the bike. The route crossed over a river numerous times that was more scenic than the farm fields to come later. The first control came soon enough and I felt great. I didn't feel like I had already rode 28 miles. I got an initial and time written on my card, ate a clif bar, and then off again. I left with 4 other riders.

After leaving we turned right out of town went over a highway over pass and then cross the river again over a narrow bridge. There were some slight chances in elevation so the group I started with I got left behind a little. I just kept riding my own pace and the miles went by fairly easily. A few people came from behind and passed me. With the wide open spaces, and still being within sight of other riders I didn't even look at the cue sheet until nearing the second control. I got a little burst of energy (second wind) about 5-6 miles before that last control and ended up catching up to two of the riders I left with from the first control. The second control came and I refilled my bottles, got the card initial/timed, and visited the mens room. The bathroom break took a little bit of time with bibs and multiple layers of clothing. I got back on my bike and headed out alone.

I ended up second guessing myself reading the cue sheet correctly and doubled back briefly when to other riders came up. I ended up getting in behind them and following them. A few miles up we made a right turn and another group caught up to us. We were a group of 8 riders and were moving at a good pace for the rolling hills we encountered for the next 15-20 miles. The hills took a little bit of toll on me a few times and I ended up dropping back as did a few others. At a few of the stop signs/intersections we often ended up back in a group together. We crossed over I-70 and rode through some wide open land and had 75 miles behind us. This is were my problems started. My calves started to cramp up a bit so I stopped, stretched, had a gel, and some water. I got back on the bike and took it a little easier spinning a bit more instead of mashing. The problem persisted, but I kept drinking and trying to keep moving. A few miles later it got a little worse so I stopped again and walked a little bit to stretch my legs out. After walking a little I got back on the bike and started riding again. A few miles down the road coming up a slight hill I noticed two dogs in a front yard and they started barking and came out into the road at me. I sprinted away from the two dogs and I noticed they had stop the pursuit. I just happen to glance to the other side and saw a third dog still running along side of me barking. I yelled at the top of my lungs, STOP! and shockingly it actually stopped. I turned and looked over my shoulder to see all three dogs still sitting in the middle of the road just looking at me. I have to saw the little dog chase scared the shit out of me, and took my mind off my cramping legs. I kept looking at my computer, cue sheet, and GPS hoping for the last control to come for a needed break. Finially, it came and I was so happy. It was at a gas station with a Subway. I was dreaming of a sub all day long. So I stood in line and put in my order for a 6" Chicken bacon, ranch sub with some tomatos and lettece. I have to say that was the greatest tasting sub I have had in my life. If probably was because it was close to 90 miles into the ride. The gas station was pretty small so it was kind of picked over on the Gatorade so I had to settle for some Powerade instead to fill up the completely empty two bottles on my bike. I did take a little extra time at this control, and that was kind of my plan all along. I figured I would try to keep my first two control stops short and have some extra time to eat at the third and final.

I switched out my gloves because my other gloves were bothering my left hand for some reason. It had warmed up considerably from the starting temp, but I still didn't feel the need to take off any layers of clothing. I felt really comfortable in what I had on. I eventually left and went out with two other riders. At the first turn and then climb they were pretty much gone and I could not keep up. As soon as I crested that first hill I felt the evil enemy of the cyclist, the headwind. The wind was out of the SE, and guess what I was going to travel either east or south for the next 38 miles! I have to say the first 15-20 miles since leaving the last control was the worst time I have ever had on a bike. At times the wind is blowing so hard that I am not even breaking 10 mph even though I feel like I am pedaling enough to go 20mph. A few times I turned around to see if anyone was catching me. Eventually a group of 4 riders did catch me so I latched on a wheel of the last rider. I went with them for a few miles, but the previous solo against the wind (plus the other 100 miles) had taken its toll and I couldn't keep up so I let them go. I went back to my extremely slow into the headwind pace. During this stretch I saw a lot of riders out for training rides smartly going the other way with the wind. Once I crossed the 100 mile mark I knew I would just have to tough it out to make the finish. I tried to keep eating and drinking to have some energy left. By this time my legs were really feeling it, and my lower back, and right elbow started to make their presence know. Previously looking at the route info I knew that we crossed over two highways (I-70 and I-71), and then on the return trip would recross I-70. Once I realized I was coming up to I-70 I was rather happy. I stopped and took a quick stretch/walk and had another snack. I climbed up the overpass and kept on moving. A number of miles later I road by a new subdivision and I knew I was on the home stretch. I rode into the edge of town and through a few subdivisions out to the main road. I could see the finish line of the Motel 6. The route required a right turn onto a very busy street and then a left at the next light. I got lucky and made the right, a few cars passed, and then I had room to go to the center lane up to the left hand turn lane. I made my way through the back entrance to the hotel. I rode in propped my bike against the building and handed over my card. I had finished!!!!!!!! With that headwind the last bit I didn't know if I was going to finish, but I did. I was very happy to hear that I finish right within my 10-11 hour goal I set for myself before the event. My total time was 10 hours and 11 minutes.
I had originally thought of driving 3.5 hours home afterwards, but quickly decided that would be a bad idea. So I stayed in the hotel one more night and drove back today. Last night I could barely walk and had trouble putting my socks on to drive somewhere to get dinner. This morning I was feeling much better, but my legs are still a little sore. Overall, I was happy with the experience and actually had some fun. I meet a lot of really nice people and got to ride and talk with a lot of different people during the course of the event. The 300K is in two weeks, but I really don't see myself doing that. I think I need more of a mileage base, and with my work and money situation driving 3.5 hours for each event is going to be tough for me to do.