Warsaw
By
Sunday, September 04, 2005
September 4, 2005
Today was a century day. Most cyclists view riding 100 miles as a challege - something to be conquered or something to be avoided. Today was destined to be my first century of 2005. Given that the only way from Rocky Mount to Warsaw NC was to ride my bike 100 miles, I didn't really have a choice.
Speaking of choice, a friend John Hausman, is taking on the following Century Challenge for 2005. So far he has completed January through August.
Here's a new ride program guaranteed to help you get the new year started right: The Larry Schwartz Year-Rounder Century Challenge.
The objective is simple: Ride at least one century each month in 2005. The century (defined as 90-149 miles) can be an organized event or ridden on your own. Riders who meet the challenge earn a medal and enjoy various program benefits.
The Century Challenge is open to members of the Ultra Marathon Cycling Association, an outfit that supplies tons of advice, information and encouragement to long-distance enthusiasts. We're life members.
Remember, a century each month isn't just a way to have fun and develop consistent year-round fitness. It also lets you enjoy an unrestricted diet 12 times!
Get Century Challenge details, including training advice, at http://www.ultracycling.com/training/century.html
I couldn't have chosen a better day for such a ride - tail wind nearly all the way; basically flat; and mild temperatures. The first SAG was at mile 39. Despite the sign, no one could accuse me of loitering today.
Part of the day, we followed North Carolina Bike Route 7.
Lunch SAG was at mile 64. I arrived just before noon. Once again, we had the stop under the shade of another vehicle. This time it was a propane tank trailer. At lunch today Jeri explained how she has 2 stomachs; One for regular food and One for cookies. No cookies today, Travis' wife had brought some homemade cakes and they were the highlight of the lunch stop.
a very brief video of Tom and Jerri.
Most of the day was spent watching the odometer click off the miles, separated by views of soybean and cotton fields. The best part, for me, was about 4 miles of brand new pavment, ridng alone, with no cars in sight, the only sounds were my tires on the road and wind through my helmet.
I had a flat, in the front, about 6/10 of a mile from the finish. Fortunately the mechanics SAG came by about 30 seconds later and I had help changing the flat. When I got to the hotel, I was the envy of many riders - somehow my room was ready and many other riders were sitting around waiting for their rooms.
Early in the day I passed by a funeral home. The sign read BOWLING FUNERAL HOME. I assume that perhaps BOWLING is the name of the Funeral Home rather than something one does at a funeral. I bit of Googling turned up this shirt for anyone unsure. http://www.pushindaisies.com/candypress/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=403
