CodeMauler's Big Adventure

(Not quite like PeeWee Herman, but it involved a bike!!)

Yesterday I rode the 50-mile route to support the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network:

www.purpleride.org

I initially planned to ride the 25-mile route, but ride organizers were holding fast to route-specific check-in times. Those that follow my blogs and feed updates know that I am an early morning rider, so I changed my plans to be part of the first crew on the trails (8AM check-in).

How cool was it that my long-time friend Joan was volunteering at the first shift? We hadn't discussed the event, so it was a surprise to both of us!!



The day was cloudy, cool and breezy; below 50F degrees at the start. Suffice to say, I rode fast to stay warm.

It was tiring. My body knew when I crossed the 40-mile mark, as it felt a LOT like the end of last Sunday's ride. The sun broke out at 11AM and everyone seemed to be a lot happier. I snapped this shot for JUNEPA and KellyBEEEEE:



I got to the end of the ride and wondered if I would be able to reload my bike in the car. I was pretty beat, and I typically "ride to the ride," so the extra exertion at the end of the trail was not really in the training plans, LOL.

Here's the picture I sent to Patrick (The Hubster) to let him know that I'd be home soon-ish:



The end of the story? 51.15 miles in 3:57, a fine cruising speed if ever there was one! My left pedal clip came apart as I stowed the bike, a sure sign that I was finished. It was a great ride, but I think my bike and I need to spend some time apart now.