Who else rode?

Terrific event-my hats off to the organizers for doing just a terrific job all the way around. Even with the BRP detour which was really a non-event in my opinion. The detour was a pretty nice stretch of road to see and ride except for the dirt section. It was really nice to see the volunteers doing handups this year as well. It is also really nice to be able to do a loop and finish at the same place as you start as opposed to a point to point like AOMM and BtB. This is becoming one of my favorite local centuries. The area is just a terrific place to ride.

Yesterday was the first time I was able to spend a lot of time in groups on this ride and it made it so much more enjoyable-especially given the rather breezy day we had. My time was 1 minute slower than last year but my avg speed was slightly higher as the route was about 1 mile longer. Total ride time was 6hr 22 mins.

Between Friday and Saturday I saw and talked to lots of riders I knew who I've ridden with in the past which is always a hoot.

The only constructive feedback I'd offer is the bananas. They were pretty much ready for either banana bread or banana pudding this year!! Otherwise A++ job guys!!

I wish the route was marked better, especially as I, and at least 2 others I was following, did not make the left turn out of Blowing Rock. It was a great descent down Hwy 321, but the climb back upon realizing I was off course was testy due to traffic. Never did find the route, but made it back to the start after logging 57 miles through Boone. Frustrating, but still good to log some miles in the mountains.

pain and agony.

Elevation Profile. I'm working on the average grades of the climbs-hope to have tomorrow (edit-see below).

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa36/jppe/BloodSweatandGears2008.jpg


Here are the more noteworthy climbs (information from my Garmin)

Climb-Start Mile Point- Length (miles)-Avg Grade (%)-Max Grade (%)

Shulls Mill-5.1-3.76-4.55-7.4
BRP #1-21.2-2.2-2.4-8.0
BRP #2-27.5-.65-5.6-10.0
BRP #3-29.9-4.1-3.2-8.0
Bill Hill Rd-53.0-2.4-2.2-14.7
Snake Mountain-58.6-4.2-5.2-21.0
Hwy 88-70.2-3.1-2.0-5.6
George's Gap-83.6-2.4-5.2-12.8
Bethel Rd-92.9-1.0-5.6-9.0
Mast Gap-99.9-0.5-7.3-10.0

not for mortals
this was year two for me riding the bsg. Last year I had to dismount and walk up Snake. This year my goals were to #1 ride up Snake without stopping, and #2 beat my time of 6:30 last year (I know its an average time but hey I'm almost 43 with only about 10k worth of miles total in my legs over only 3-4 years of riding.
The wednesday before the event I drove to Meat Camp Road and attempted to ride Snake with fresh legs......I did it successfully, so now I knew I could do it, I just had to have some legs beginning on Meat Camp.
As I spun up Meat Camp not burning any matches I was getting passed by everyone.....but near the top most of those folks were walking as I rode past them at a blazing 3 mph. At that point the ride was a success for me as having to walk last year had me bummed.
For some reason for two years in a row now it seemed like I was riding the last 40 mi by myself. It would have been great to be with a small group to work with, but hey, everyone is in there own world of misery at that point. I actually heard lots of screaming and yelling from people cramping up.
After the very last little climb I had juice left to peg it to the finish at 22-24 mph, and I finished with the clock at 6:40, which was a little slower then last year, but I'm not sure how the 7 minute delay at the start nor when I atually crossed the start line will affect that.
Overall I felt much better at the end of the ride this year, as I did not go as hard in the first half (as evidenced by my split which was 25 minutes slower last year)and I paid more attention to food/hydration. This enabled me to finish stronger as I made up for my slower split time with a nearly identical total time over the last 50 miles.
This ride is a test of both physical fitness and mental toughness. I am in sheer awe of those who finish this ride near 5:00.
I highly recommend this century for those looking for a very well organized epic cycling adventure in one of the most beautiful areas in the country.

The 50 miler was a blast... and a breeze compared to what you guys had to endure.

Yes, the half century was a sweet ride - so much that it was a bit of a let down when it ended. A really good route through some lush mountainside terrain. I plan to sign up for the 100 mile route when the 2009 registration opens in Feb. If it's too much, I will bail and finish with 86 miles.

But that 50 mile route is one heck of a nice route.

No pictures?

jppe, fixed the post to make the chart more readable

Climb-Start Mile Point- Length (miles)-Avg Grade (%)-Max Grade (%)

Shulls Mill 5.1 3.76 4.55 7.4
BRP #1 21.2 2.2 2.4 8.0
BRP #2 27.5 0.65 5.6 10.0
BRP #3 29.9 4.1 3.2 8.0
Bill Hill Rd 53.0 2.4 2.2 14.7
Snake Mountain 58.6 4.2 5.2 21.0
Hwy 88 70.2 3.1 2.0 5.6
George's Gap 83.6 2.4 5.2 12.8
Bethel Rd 92.9 1.0 5.6 9.0
Mast Gap 99.9 0.5 7.3 10.0