aham23
07-13-08, 07:26 AM
was your day EPIC?
later.
later.
Great Lakes - RAIN Reports
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momof4greatkids
07-13-08, 12:55 PM
was your day EPIC?
.
For me, it was epic. My first RAIN
It was amazing/hot/wet/grueling/painful/exhilerating. I got good dose of endorphins.
We had rain at the start which persisted for the first first 30 miles or so.
After the rain, it was sunny, hot and humid. I think it was mostly in the upper 80s, not sure if we broke into the 90s, but the humidity was very high.
We did have the promised tailwind and the benefit of that cannot be underestimated.
I expected the route to be flat, but it was actually rolling in the beginning, then it flattened out w/some long (what seemed like neverending) gradual climbs into Richmond at the very end....quite rude to place hills at the end of a 160 mile ride, don't you think?
The first leg was raining and we did not push the pace, I was not being sure how to pace myself for this distance. The second leg I felt strong and broke out and started to run ~18-20mph or so and I was happy to see my average pace climbing.
The route followed US 40, except for the next leg around Indy where the route turned south through some nice neighborhoods w/the promised frequent traffic stops. It was also blazing hot through this part of the route as it seemed the air was not moving at all. I was really suffering here, but pressed on.
This part of the route contained the 3rd stop, which was the lunch stop, around mile 90. I rolled in feeling very depleted, and too hot and miserable to even want to eat. But I knew I had to and I felt a lot better after that.
The next leg was a fast one for me and helped me bring my average pace to around 16 (OK, I said fast for me, I know that's not really fast). The route has so many competent cyclist all along the way, just looking at the bikes can keep you occupied.
I passed the century mark at about 6:30, so my time was not great.
The last stop was about 27 miles from the finish. I rested there a while and found a friend from our group who wanted to ride in together, so we paced each other to the finish. The last few miles were also really tough. My upper body was aching and I could not get any comfort. My new Brooks saddle practically melted in the rain and was really painful, but I think just about any saddle would have felt bad at that point.
My saddle time was 9:57, total ride time was around 12:30. I spent too much time at the stops, we had a large group and the logistics were challenging, but it all worked out in the end.
Thanks to Voldemort, :pI had the mournful dirge "Yer Blues" running through my head for many miles, at times replaced by "Dear Prudence"
Colleen
.
For me, it was epic. My first RAIN
It was amazing/hot/wet/grueling/painful/exhilerating. I got good dose of endorphins.
We had rain at the start which persisted for the first first 30 miles or so.
After the rain, it was sunny, hot and humid. I think it was mostly in the upper 80s, not sure if we broke into the 90s, but the humidity was very high.
We did have the promised tailwind and the benefit of that cannot be underestimated.
I expected the route to be flat, but it was actually rolling in the beginning, then it flattened out w/some long (what seemed like neverending) gradual climbs into Richmond at the very end....quite rude to place hills at the end of a 160 mile ride, don't you think?
The first leg was raining and we did not push the pace, I was not being sure how to pace myself for this distance. The second leg I felt strong and broke out and started to run ~18-20mph or so and I was happy to see my average pace climbing.
The route followed US 40, except for the next leg around Indy where the route turned south through some nice neighborhoods w/the promised frequent traffic stops. It was also blazing hot through this part of the route as it seemed the air was not moving at all. I was really suffering here, but pressed on.
This part of the route contained the 3rd stop, which was the lunch stop, around mile 90. I rolled in feeling very depleted, and too hot and miserable to even want to eat. But I knew I had to and I felt a lot better after that.
The next leg was a fast one for me and helped me bring my average pace to around 16 (OK, I said fast for me, I know that's not really fast). The route has so many competent cyclist all along the way, just looking at the bikes can keep you occupied.
I passed the century mark at about 6:30, so my time was not great.
The last stop was about 27 miles from the finish. I rested there a while and found a friend from our group who wanted to ride in together, so we paced each other to the finish. The last few miles were also really tough. My upper body was aching and I could not get any comfort. My new Brooks saddle practically melted in the rain and was really painful, but I think just about any saddle would have felt bad at that point.
My saddle time was 9:57, total ride time was around 12:30. I spent too much time at the stops, we had a large group and the logistics were challenging, but it all worked out in the end.
Thanks to Voldemort, :pI had the mournful dirge "Yer Blues" running through my head for many miles, at times replaced by "Dear Prudence"
Colleen
Psimet2001
07-13-08, 01:58 PM
Saddle Time: 8:44
Distance: 160.68
Avg Spd: 18.4
Total Time: 11:05 ?? - Doesn't seem right... I started at 7am and finished almost right at 5pm...which should be like 10:05. I think the Garmin added an hour to the total time because technically we started in a different time zone...an hour behind.
I ran hard in the morning. Was fairly close to the police escort all the way until they pulled off. I got a flat 17 miles in :(. Still maintained the same hammering pace after the flat. I faded a little just before the first stop.
The rain was actually really good. I know how hot this event can be so I was loving the coolness of the rain. It was enough that at one point I was thinking about getting my arm warmers out of the SAG van...HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
Due to the flat everyone was already ready to go by the time I rolled into the first stop. Restroom and bottle refill (not at the same time mind you) and we were off. Guys started peeling off during this leg. Eventually I peeled off with Voldemort. Got a SAG call from Mrs. Psimet and ended up losing Volde. Heard a group come around and head JT1 yell "Jump on!" I did an we rolled all the way into the next stop.
After that stop we rolled together pretty well for a portion until something happened. I started cramping bad and bonked at the same time. I never used to cramp, but this year it has been happening with increasing frequency.
"Luckily" scummer flatted at the same time. He had stopped when I flatted in the morning so I hung with him to give him a hand on his. The timing was convienient. Eventually I even dropped off his wheel.
I was suffering from here on out. I think the rain and speed in the morning tricked me and kept me from drinking and eating enough. At lunch aham was ready to go when I rolled in (no surprise). I drank as much fluid as I could and got a turkey sandwich in me. I finally got to change my socks and base layer and pick up a spare tube - only to find out I was out of CO2.
I lost it after lunch. I always do. I HATE the section around INDY. It's feels like the devil's oven when the sun is out. There is no shade, no air moving, and the pavement acts like a reflector...and it is always around noon when you hit it. Not to mention this is where you are hitting the century mark...doesn't help.
I think I rolled something like a 5:10 century. Still respectable.
I was having a total crisis of faith. I was sitting there thinking: I have already done this 3 other times. I will not be breaking a record, I will not be finishing with anyone else I know. There is a TT the next day that I wanted to do....so I called SAG.
The plan was to have her meet me where we get back on 40. I would sit in the car and cool down and pick up water then see how I felt. If I felt like crap then I would call it a day.
Like usual all it took was a minute or two in the AC and some cold fluids to realize it wasn't that much further.
Turns out I was babbling, not making sense, I couldn't concentrate, had a killer headache, and felt like throwing up. All primo signs of dehydration. Awesome.
Between there and the last stop went better/faster, but I was still struggling a bit. Another sit down in the van. I was only able to stomach 2 popcicles. Even then I didn't feel like they were going to stay down.
I decided I was going to need something so I grabbed a handful of gels. I popped one every 30 minutes from there out. Within 10 minutes or so I was feeling fairly decent. I started passing quite a few people again. The last fifteen miles I felt really good. Good enough to zip up the jersey and have enough speed coming in to have to swing wide for the turn into the college.
A special thanks to Mrs. Psimet and Little Psimet for putting up with a van full of internet bicycle geeks who most likely smelled like a 4 day old diaper.
I didn't get back until 1:00 am or there abouts and decided that the 7:30 registration for the TT was pushing it. Not to mention I was going to have to put on clip ons and change my saddle setup. I am sure I have forgotten something. I will post back with other thanks as I think of them.
I also have pictures....at least some...
Distance: 160.68
Avg Spd: 18.4
Total Time: 11:05 ?? - Doesn't seem right... I started at 7am and finished almost right at 5pm...which should be like 10:05. I think the Garmin added an hour to the total time because technically we started in a different time zone...an hour behind.
I ran hard in the morning. Was fairly close to the police escort all the way until they pulled off. I got a flat 17 miles in :(. Still maintained the same hammering pace after the flat. I faded a little just before the first stop.
The rain was actually really good. I know how hot this event can be so I was loving the coolness of the rain. It was enough that at one point I was thinking about getting my arm warmers out of the SAG van...HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
Due to the flat everyone was already ready to go by the time I rolled into the first stop. Restroom and bottle refill (not at the same time mind you) and we were off. Guys started peeling off during this leg. Eventually I peeled off with Voldemort. Got a SAG call from Mrs. Psimet and ended up losing Volde. Heard a group come around and head JT1 yell "Jump on!" I did an we rolled all the way into the next stop.
After that stop we rolled together pretty well for a portion until something happened. I started cramping bad and bonked at the same time. I never used to cramp, but this year it has been happening with increasing frequency.
"Luckily" scummer flatted at the same time. He had stopped when I flatted in the morning so I hung with him to give him a hand on his. The timing was convienient. Eventually I even dropped off his wheel.
I was suffering from here on out. I think the rain and speed in the morning tricked me and kept me from drinking and eating enough. At lunch aham was ready to go when I rolled in (no surprise). I drank as much fluid as I could and got a turkey sandwich in me. I finally got to change my socks and base layer and pick up a spare tube - only to find out I was out of CO2.
I lost it after lunch. I always do. I HATE the section around INDY. It's feels like the devil's oven when the sun is out. There is no shade, no air moving, and the pavement acts like a reflector...and it is always around noon when you hit it. Not to mention this is where you are hitting the century mark...doesn't help.
I think I rolled something like a 5:10 century. Still respectable.
I was having a total crisis of faith. I was sitting there thinking: I have already done this 3 other times. I will not be breaking a record, I will not be finishing with anyone else I know. There is a TT the next day that I wanted to do....so I called SAG.
The plan was to have her meet me where we get back on 40. I would sit in the car and cool down and pick up water then see how I felt. If I felt like crap then I would call it a day.
Like usual all it took was a minute or two in the AC and some cold fluids to realize it wasn't that much further.
Turns out I was babbling, not making sense, I couldn't concentrate, had a killer headache, and felt like throwing up. All primo signs of dehydration. Awesome.
Between there and the last stop went better/faster, but I was still struggling a bit. Another sit down in the van. I was only able to stomach 2 popcicles. Even then I didn't feel like they were going to stay down.
I decided I was going to need something so I grabbed a handful of gels. I popped one every 30 minutes from there out. Within 10 minutes or so I was feeling fairly decent. I started passing quite a few people again. The last fifteen miles I felt really good. Good enough to zip up the jersey and have enough speed coming in to have to swing wide for the turn into the college.
A special thanks to Mrs. Psimet and Little Psimet for putting up with a van full of internet bicycle geeks who most likely smelled like a 4 day old diaper.
I didn't get back until 1:00 am or there abouts and decided that the 7:30 registration for the TT was pushing it. Not to mention I was going to have to put on clip ons and change my saddle setup. I am sure I have forgotten something. I will post back with other thanks as I think of them.
I also have pictures....at least some...
Scummer
07-13-08, 02:32 PM
Silly question. ;)
It was the longest ride I've ever done. My longest was a century before. It was my first ride in raining conditions. The rain started at 6:50am.
So Friday noon the Psimet starship started to pickup Arron and Greg with me being the last rider to jump on the starship. Uneventful ride down to Terre Haute with the casual smalltalk about cycling, cycles and life in general. We stopped at a Texas Steakhouse for dinner and went into our motels to catch some sleep before the big ride. I did some wheel trueing on my bike since my rear brakes were rubbing slightly. Took a few laps around the motel complex and everything seemed working fine.
So I called it a day and went to sleep or so I thought. Woke up like almost every hour and drifted back to sleep until I woke up again at 4:45am and said "screw it". Had some bagels, peanut butter and jam for breakfast and hoped in my cycling gear. The starship landed and all of us jumped on board and to the starting line we went.
When we lined up, the starting line looked pretty close, like maybe 3 or 4 riders deep. But once it got closer to 7am more and more riders jumped in front and all of a sudden we were like 15-20 riders back from the starting line. The announcer was like 10 min. till RAIN start, while it already had started to rain and the whole group went "The Ride start!" :)
7am came and the signal for the ride start was given. It started fast and furious. Avg speed was lingering at ~23mph with the cop car in clear sight. First road hazard was coming in fast in form of a busted plastic bottle with some brown stuff in it. Yuck. Next road hazard while still in Terre Haute was my own aluminium water bottle, which jumped out of my cage and dropped in the street with a loud clonk. Crap. I stopped, turned around, got my precious bottle and hoped onto a group of riders. Arron, Rob, Jim and Greg were gone and I was on my own in the middle of strangers. Then I saw Rob on the side of the street with a flat rear tire and I stopped to give him a hand since after I had dropped my bottle I was hopelessly behind Arron, Jim and Greg anyway. Quick tube change and we were back on the road. Rob and I rejoined the rest of our group and after a quick water bottle fillup, some cookies and a banana stuffed in my shirt pocket we were off again. The ride to the 2nd rest stop was uneventful besides the rain and the rooster tails when you were trying to draft in a paceline. After the 2nd rest stop I still felt pretty good and all 5 of us were riding together to get to lunch stop. Arron that monster was taking long pulls and when I was pulling everyone was falling of my wheel for some reason. As a result no one was able to take shelter behind me and rest and I didn't even notice until I glanced over my shoulder. Sorry dudes! :( So I slowed down a little, let the guys come close again and continued pulling when all of a sudden I drop off the road into the gravel and decide not to jump back on the road again because I didn't want to risk a spill with the guys behind me. I make a Lance Armstrong move and cut through the gras as I see the curb coming and it wasn't small. Oh $#$@#. So I'm thinking "I gotta make that jump count or I'm gonna face plant" and take a leap across the curb and my back wheel takes a little beating of the curb but everything worked out fine and I continue riding catching back up with the group again.
So we ride on with the lunch stop in mind when I hit a rock on the road which caused me to slowly loose air and after feeling a wobbly steering I notice I flatted. Crap! I was close to the front of the pack so I'm navigating myself from the left to the right and telling the guys around me that I have a flat and need to pull off. Rob hears this and he stops to help me and takes a much needed break from the riding with his legs cramping up. Quick change of the tube and off we go again. I take pulls with Rob in tow and at one point he lets me know I should just ride on as he can't keep up and he doesn't want to slow me down. So off I go but at every darn traffic light I have red and he joins up again just to fall off until the next red traffic light.
No pack in sight and riding alone now I make it to the lunch stop, I meet the rest of the group there, but Arron and Jim are already on the go again while Greg hangs out a little longer and Rob also pulls in for lunch.
The lunch didn't sit to well with me as my stomach is in somewhat of a disarray but I ride on. Then in the heat of ride I miss the turn onto US-40 and continued going north when after 1.5miles I notice no riders and no signs. I sit down for a minute under a tree with shade and pull out my cue sheet to see what the heck happened and where I am. It says turn right onto US-40 at mile 115. I was at 116.5. Argh. During that time Jim and Greg mussed have passed me as I meet them again diuring the next rest stop. The heat became stronger and the suffering harder. I cracked open the Oreo cookies I had snagged from the lunch stop and man, those cookies have never tasted so good in my life before. Pure energy at this point. I felt better but about 7 miles before the last rest stop I was looking down on my computer almost every minute just to see the miles slooooowly ticking away. Way to slooooow. I ran out of water 5 miles before the rest stop and I was already starting to shiver at this point. Heat related exhaustion was setting in. A few miles before the rest stop I see a dude in front of me dismount his bike, lean against his tob tube and loosing his lunch. Great, that's the last thing I needed to see right now in the state I was in. But I rode on. Finally I made it to rest stop #4 and I gulped down 1/2 gallon of water with about 6 popsicles, an ice cold bottle of OJ and asked one of the volunteers to hose me down from top to bottom with cold water. Ohhhh, it felt great! I saw Greg and Jim again and Jim took off while Greg was waiting for me to continue the ride. I told Greg I needed a few more minutes to rest and we'd be good to go.
And what a great rest it was. I pulled Greg pretty much all the way on the last leg and we were trucking along at 23-27mph depending on the wind. At one point Greg wanted to drop off the back so I slowed a little since I was also starting to feel it and we cruised together into the finish just to see Arron and Jim relaxing in the shade like they were sitting there all day.
So for me, the ride was Epic. Rain, sun, exhaustion, running out of water, flat, going of the track, loosing a water bottle, loosing directions, but making it in the end at a decent time.
Thomas
It was the longest ride I've ever done. My longest was a century before. It was my first ride in raining conditions. The rain started at 6:50am.
So Friday noon the Psimet starship started to pickup Arron and Greg with me being the last rider to jump on the starship. Uneventful ride down to Terre Haute with the casual smalltalk about cycling, cycles and life in general. We stopped at a Texas Steakhouse for dinner and went into our motels to catch some sleep before the big ride. I did some wheel trueing on my bike since my rear brakes were rubbing slightly. Took a few laps around the motel complex and everything seemed working fine.
So I called it a day and went to sleep or so I thought. Woke up like almost every hour and drifted back to sleep until I woke up again at 4:45am and said "screw it". Had some bagels, peanut butter and jam for breakfast and hoped in my cycling gear. The starship landed and all of us jumped on board and to the starting line we went.
When we lined up, the starting line looked pretty close, like maybe 3 or 4 riders deep. But once it got closer to 7am more and more riders jumped in front and all of a sudden we were like 15-20 riders back from the starting line. The announcer was like 10 min. till RAIN start, while it already had started to rain and the whole group went "The Ride start!" :)
7am came and the signal for the ride start was given. It started fast and furious. Avg speed was lingering at ~23mph with the cop car in clear sight. First road hazard was coming in fast in form of a busted plastic bottle with some brown stuff in it. Yuck. Next road hazard while still in Terre Haute was my own aluminium water bottle, which jumped out of my cage and dropped in the street with a loud clonk. Crap. I stopped, turned around, got my precious bottle and hoped onto a group of riders. Arron, Rob, Jim and Greg were gone and I was on my own in the middle of strangers. Then I saw Rob on the side of the street with a flat rear tire and I stopped to give him a hand since after I had dropped my bottle I was hopelessly behind Arron, Jim and Greg anyway. Quick tube change and we were back on the road. Rob and I rejoined the rest of our group and after a quick water bottle fillup, some cookies and a banana stuffed in my shirt pocket we were off again. The ride to the 2nd rest stop was uneventful besides the rain and the rooster tails when you were trying to draft in a paceline. After the 2nd rest stop I still felt pretty good and all 5 of us were riding together to get to lunch stop. Arron that monster was taking long pulls and when I was pulling everyone was falling of my wheel for some reason. As a result no one was able to take shelter behind me and rest and I didn't even notice until I glanced over my shoulder. Sorry dudes! :( So I slowed down a little, let the guys come close again and continued pulling when all of a sudden I drop off the road into the gravel and decide not to jump back on the road again because I didn't want to risk a spill with the guys behind me. I make a Lance Armstrong move and cut through the gras as I see the curb coming and it wasn't small. Oh $#$@#. So I'm thinking "I gotta make that jump count or I'm gonna face plant" and take a leap across the curb and my back wheel takes a little beating of the curb but everything worked out fine and I continue riding catching back up with the group again.
So we ride on with the lunch stop in mind when I hit a rock on the road which caused me to slowly loose air and after feeling a wobbly steering I notice I flatted. Crap! I was close to the front of the pack so I'm navigating myself from the left to the right and telling the guys around me that I have a flat and need to pull off. Rob hears this and he stops to help me and takes a much needed break from the riding with his legs cramping up. Quick change of the tube and off we go again. I take pulls with Rob in tow and at one point he lets me know I should just ride on as he can't keep up and he doesn't want to slow me down. So off I go but at every darn traffic light I have red and he joins up again just to fall off until the next red traffic light.
No pack in sight and riding alone now I make it to the lunch stop, I meet the rest of the group there, but Arron and Jim are already on the go again while Greg hangs out a little longer and Rob also pulls in for lunch.
The lunch didn't sit to well with me as my stomach is in somewhat of a disarray but I ride on. Then in the heat of ride I miss the turn onto US-40 and continued going north when after 1.5miles I notice no riders and no signs. I sit down for a minute under a tree with shade and pull out my cue sheet to see what the heck happened and where I am. It says turn right onto US-40 at mile 115. I was at 116.5. Argh. During that time Jim and Greg mussed have passed me as I meet them again diuring the next rest stop. The heat became stronger and the suffering harder. I cracked open the Oreo cookies I had snagged from the lunch stop and man, those cookies have never tasted so good in my life before. Pure energy at this point. I felt better but about 7 miles before the last rest stop I was looking down on my computer almost every minute just to see the miles slooooowly ticking away. Way to slooooow. I ran out of water 5 miles before the rest stop and I was already starting to shiver at this point. Heat related exhaustion was setting in. A few miles before the rest stop I see a dude in front of me dismount his bike, lean against his tob tube and loosing his lunch. Great, that's the last thing I needed to see right now in the state I was in. But I rode on. Finally I made it to rest stop #4 and I gulped down 1/2 gallon of water with about 6 popsicles, an ice cold bottle of OJ and asked one of the volunteers to hose me down from top to bottom with cold water. Ohhhh, it felt great! I saw Greg and Jim again and Jim took off while Greg was waiting for me to continue the ride. I told Greg I needed a few more minutes to rest and we'd be good to go.
And what a great rest it was. I pulled Greg pretty much all the way on the last leg and we were trucking along at 23-27mph depending on the wind. At one point Greg wanted to drop off the back so I slowed a little since I was also starting to feel it and we cruised together into the finish just to see Arron and Jim relaxing in the shade like they were sitting there all day.
So for me, the ride was Epic. Rain, sun, exhaustion, running out of water, flat, going of the track, loosing a water bottle, loosing directions, but making it in the end at a decent time.
Thomas
ftsoft
07-13-08, 02:48 PM
Thanks for the reports guys and gals. I rode it last year when I guess the conditions were about as good as you can get and I was wondering if the rain was a real problem this year. I feel a little guilty about not riding this year, especially since I only live about 35 miles from the finish. 'm trying to get my stoker fit enough to do it on the tandem, but it IS a long way.
voldemort
07-13-08, 05:08 PM
EPIC indeed! My first RAIN effort, and I was feeling pretty confident I would survive it. The only question was how much suffering, and how long it would take me to finish.
About 30 seconds before the start I had a quick thought of "what if I start off and dump the bike right in the first ten feet of this crowd of 1000+ riders"? Just a little anxiety to start off.:o Psimet had stressed hanging with the group to benefit from the drafting., and that was my initial goal.
We rolled out fast, and pretty quickly I'm thinking "#@&*" I can't keep this pace up all day. They'll find me in a crumpled heap at the side of the road by mile 40. So I backed off a little and the front group ripped open a big lead FAST. I rode solo a short way before the second wave of riders came up and I was able to hang with them. Got in the middle of a strong rotating double paceline for for about 15 miles. Delightful!:D And I never would have thought I would appreciate water blasting into my face off the back tires of anyone close in front. But it was great, and really kept me pretty well cooled down. Heck, I was pulling in close to catch the full spray and yes, the full draft. I knew it was key to my survival.
I knew I could make 40 to the first stop, so that's all I really thought about. Felt great rolling in, and thought "only 20-something to next stop? Easy". Oh yeah, saw NVR out of the corner of my eye, flatted off the side. I found a pace I could roll with, about 19-21 with that tailwind. Occasionally was waved aboard and jumped on with a couple different groups in that stretch. Lots of friendly riders saying "jump on". I think I was with JT1 on and off in a couple groups in this stretch. I can't remember where it was that I finally noticed the rain had stopped, and Psimet told me it was about 30 minutes earlier.:o
Getting to the lunch stop was a motivator in itself. I'd probably consumed 3-4 packs of shot blocks and a couple gels by then, and I thought some real food might be a good idea. I had my three water bottles ready for the long stretch around Indy and to the next stop, and nursed them carefully so I wouldn't run dry. When we got close, I splurged with my remaining water and sprayed a little on my face and chest. NICE!! Yes, around/through Indy was hot, humid, windless, and pretty miserable overall. Good Times:cry:
All I remember of the next leg is riding some with Psimet and friend for a bit, then seeing a group go by and jumping on the tail, and riding some with JT1. Mostly I thought about how friggin' hot and humid it was, and the very real possibility heat prostration/heat stroke...whatever you call it. I kept taking small drinks, alternating with squirting water directly into my face.
At the last stop I rolled in right behind JT1. Thomas rolled in shortly after. I immediately filled up with cold water, laid on my back, and sloooooowly squirted most of an entire water bottle over my forehead and face. Drank a little, ate a few popsicles, and put my legs up on a chair as I laid on the grass. It took a LONG time to cool down. Finally was ready to roll, and Thomas and I headed out for the final leg. Thomas pulled almost the entire way. Thankyouthankyouthankyou!!!
Thanks to everybody who let me jump on pacelines, and those solos who let me hang on their wheel for awhile when I was dying in the middle of no-man's land, somewhere between any of the riders I knew.
Special thanks to Thomas, for dragging me in, to Psimet and Aham, who convinced me I could do this, and to Mrs. Psimet and Psimet Jr. for sag support.
Not sure I have all my facts in the right sequence, but my heat-fried brain might not have quite remember accurately.:beer: to alll of us.
About 30 seconds before the start I had a quick thought of "what if I start off and dump the bike right in the first ten feet of this crowd of 1000+ riders"? Just a little anxiety to start off.:o Psimet had stressed hanging with the group to benefit from the drafting., and that was my initial goal.
We rolled out fast, and pretty quickly I'm thinking "#@&*" I can't keep this pace up all day. They'll find me in a crumpled heap at the side of the road by mile 40. So I backed off a little and the front group ripped open a big lead FAST. I rode solo a short way before the second wave of riders came up and I was able to hang with them. Got in the middle of a strong rotating double paceline for for about 15 miles. Delightful!:D And I never would have thought I would appreciate water blasting into my face off the back tires of anyone close in front. But it was great, and really kept me pretty well cooled down. Heck, I was pulling in close to catch the full spray and yes, the full draft. I knew it was key to my survival.
I knew I could make 40 to the first stop, so that's all I really thought about. Felt great rolling in, and thought "only 20-something to next stop? Easy". Oh yeah, saw NVR out of the corner of my eye, flatted off the side. I found a pace I could roll with, about 19-21 with that tailwind. Occasionally was waved aboard and jumped on with a couple different groups in that stretch. Lots of friendly riders saying "jump on". I think I was with JT1 on and off in a couple groups in this stretch. I can't remember where it was that I finally noticed the rain had stopped, and Psimet told me it was about 30 minutes earlier.:o
Getting to the lunch stop was a motivator in itself. I'd probably consumed 3-4 packs of shot blocks and a couple gels by then, and I thought some real food might be a good idea. I had my three water bottles ready for the long stretch around Indy and to the next stop, and nursed them carefully so I wouldn't run dry. When we got close, I splurged with my remaining water and sprayed a little on my face and chest. NICE!! Yes, around/through Indy was hot, humid, windless, and pretty miserable overall. Good Times:cry:
All I remember of the next leg is riding some with Psimet and friend for a bit, then seeing a group go by and jumping on the tail, and riding some with JT1. Mostly I thought about how friggin' hot and humid it was, and the very real possibility heat prostration/heat stroke...whatever you call it. I kept taking small drinks, alternating with squirting water directly into my face.
At the last stop I rolled in right behind JT1. Thomas rolled in shortly after. I immediately filled up with cold water, laid on my back, and sloooooowly squirted most of an entire water bottle over my forehead and face. Drank a little, ate a few popsicles, and put my legs up on a chair as I laid on the grass. It took a LONG time to cool down. Finally was ready to roll, and Thomas and I headed out for the final leg. Thomas pulled almost the entire way. Thankyouthankyouthankyou!!!
Thanks to everybody who let me jump on pacelines, and those solos who let me hang on their wheel for awhile when I was dying in the middle of no-man's land, somewhere between any of the riders I knew.
Special thanks to Thomas, for dragging me in, to Psimet and Aham, who convinced me I could do this, and to Mrs. Psimet and Psimet Jr. for sag support.
Not sure I have all my facts in the right sequence, but my heat-fried brain might not have quite remember accurately.:beer: to alll of us.
DXchulo
07-13-08, 06:18 PM
Not epic, but definitely tougher than last year. This was my 4th RAIN and I think I've seen all sorts of summer weather conditions now except for a headwind on 40. Now that I said that we'll probably get a headwind next year.
I got to the start early enough to be towards the front in the first 5 rows or so. It really is critical to avoid crashes so you can suck some pretty fast wheel out of Terre Haute and beyond. The rain made that even more critical. I had a couple close calls with some wayward bottles, but other than that I had an easy cruise past the first rest stop, where people weren't just dropping bottles, but bags of bottles.
The ride was pretty slow for the first half, and I'm not sure why. Maybe it was the rain or maybe the super fast guys stayed home. Who knows. Then we seemed to be hitting every red light through the Indy detour, so by about the time we were getting close to Greenfield I started to realize that we weren't going to beat 7 hours unless we really hammered when we got back on 40 (I did a 6:58 last year and I really wanted to beat 7 hours again to prove to myself that it wasn't just because of the tailwind.). That's when I did something crazy. I actually got to the front and pulled. That's a first in RAIN history and a real rarity any day for a wheel sucker like me. I was hoping to get the pace moving higher, but all I really accomplished was to start putting myself on a path towards destruction.
We finally got back on 40 and the effort picked up. The bad news is that the wind was coming almost directly from the south. I'm a small guy, so I don't do very well in crosswinds. I made my way towards the front just to be sure that I'd actually have a wheel to suck, but being up front also means you need to take your pulls. I did that for a while, and then I decided I'd go suck wheel at the back. Bad idea. The road is only so wide, so it's tough to get good shelter back there (That's the whole reason I went to the front in the first place. Not my brightest moment.). I finally got dropped at mile 138, which is better than last year, but still disappointing.
After I got dropped there really wasn't a time goal any more (I'll be interested to see if the lead guys beat 7 hours. They must have really busted balls if they did.), and I'm not sure if it was that mental letdown or actual physical fatigue, but I started feeling tired and had a hard time keeping my speed up.
I made it to the finish with an official time of 7:25. I pushed hard, but I came up short. Now I have a whole year to think about that and to do what I have to do to come back stronger.
I hope you all had a good time. There really isn't anything quite like seeing over 1,000 cyclists in one place. See you all next year!
I got to the start early enough to be towards the front in the first 5 rows or so. It really is critical to avoid crashes so you can suck some pretty fast wheel out of Terre Haute and beyond. The rain made that even more critical. I had a couple close calls with some wayward bottles, but other than that I had an easy cruise past the first rest stop, where people weren't just dropping bottles, but bags of bottles.
The ride was pretty slow for the first half, and I'm not sure why. Maybe it was the rain or maybe the super fast guys stayed home. Who knows. Then we seemed to be hitting every red light through the Indy detour, so by about the time we were getting close to Greenfield I started to realize that we weren't going to beat 7 hours unless we really hammered when we got back on 40 (I did a 6:58 last year and I really wanted to beat 7 hours again to prove to myself that it wasn't just because of the tailwind.). That's when I did something crazy. I actually got to the front and pulled. That's a first in RAIN history and a real rarity any day for a wheel sucker like me. I was hoping to get the pace moving higher, but all I really accomplished was to start putting myself on a path towards destruction.
We finally got back on 40 and the effort picked up. The bad news is that the wind was coming almost directly from the south. I'm a small guy, so I don't do very well in crosswinds. I made my way towards the front just to be sure that I'd actually have a wheel to suck, but being up front also means you need to take your pulls. I did that for a while, and then I decided I'd go suck wheel at the back. Bad idea. The road is only so wide, so it's tough to get good shelter back there (That's the whole reason I went to the front in the first place. Not my brightest moment.). I finally got dropped at mile 138, which is better than last year, but still disappointing.
After I got dropped there really wasn't a time goal any more (I'll be interested to see if the lead guys beat 7 hours. They must have really busted balls if they did.), and I'm not sure if it was that mental letdown or actual physical fatigue, but I started feeling tired and had a hard time keeping my speed up.
I made it to the finish with an official time of 7:25. I pushed hard, but I came up short. Now I have a whole year to think about that and to do what I have to do to come back stronger.
I hope you all had a good time. There really isn't anything quite like seeing over 1,000 cyclists in one place. See you all next year!
CyLowe97
07-13-08, 07:10 PM
Tres awesome, everyone.
:beer:
:beer:
Dewbert
07-13-08, 08:22 PM
My 3rd RAIN ride. My first one that was so soggy.
11:11 (9:44 saddle time).
My wife was a great SAG-ger for me. It's amazing how much dry socks at lunch time can change your outlook.
I really didn't suffer too much this year. It was sure hot and muggy late in the day, but I had my wife leap frog me every ten miles to top off my H20 and she was sweet enough to have wet/cold/icy cloths to wipe off my face and neck.
Something about the RAIN ride makes the day after nap soooooooo much nicer!
11:11 (9:44 saddle time).
My wife was a great SAG-ger for me. It's amazing how much dry socks at lunch time can change your outlook.
I really didn't suffer too much this year. It was sure hot and muggy late in the day, but I had my wife leap frog me every ten miles to top off my H20 and she was sweet enough to have wet/cold/icy cloths to wipe off my face and neck.
Something about the RAIN ride makes the day after nap soooooooo much nicer!
voldemort
07-13-08, 08:25 PM
Thanks to Voldemort, :pI had the mournful dirge "Yer Blues" running through my head for many miles, at times replaced by "Dear Prudence"
Colleen
I jumped in with a lot of groups, and got some long pulls from both friends and strangers. So the ones in my head included:
With a Little Help From My Friends
All Together Now
Getting Better
Help
Don't Pass Me By
Each one had its own place throughout my day.
Congratulations on your ride!:thumb:
Colleen
I jumped in with a lot of groups, and got some long pulls from both friends and strangers. So the ones in my head included:
With a Little Help From My Friends
All Together Now
Getting Better
Help
Don't Pass Me By
Each one had its own place throughout my day.
Congratulations on your ride!:thumb:
voldemort
07-13-08, 08:37 PM
Oh yeah. 19.2 mph. I would have bet big money against myself breaking 17.5. So I'm a happy guy, AND I can still walk today (I also wasn't too sure about !). I was at 8:20 saddle time. Total time, uh, same as Scummer (since I forgot to set that). I think 10 hours and ? minutes.
momof4greatkids
07-13-08, 08:45 PM
I really didn't suffer too much this year. It was sure hot and muggy late in the day, but I had my wife leap frog me every ten miles to top off my H20 and she was sweet enough to have wet/cold/icy cloths to wipe off my face and neck.
Something about the RAIN ride makes the day after nap soooooooo much nicer!
Wow, your wife sounds like a saint! She's a keeper!
I didn't have to worry about socks because I had my dorky cycling sandals on :p
At the spot where we turned back onto 40 after Indy, a very kind lady in a sag vehicle refilled my water bottles, with ice cold water! That was awesome, especially since I was bone dry.
It was like that all along the way, so many nice people. Cyclists are a really good sort.
Voldemort....wow! Well done. You must be deliriously happy w/your time, that's really good.
Something about the RAIN ride makes the day after nap soooooooo much nicer!
Wow, your wife sounds like a saint! She's a keeper!
I didn't have to worry about socks because I had my dorky cycling sandals on :p
At the spot where we turned back onto 40 after Indy, a very kind lady in a sag vehicle refilled my water bottles, with ice cold water! That was awesome, especially since I was bone dry.
It was like that all along the way, so many nice people. Cyclists are a really good sort.
Voldemort....wow! Well done. You must be deliriously happy w/your time, that's really good.
R900
07-13-08, 08:50 PM
Great reports!
I dropped out at the first stop, being sick all week and basically still on a liquid diet, it was not my day. The good news is I hit my weight loss target in less then a week :-)
I rode hard for the first 23 miles, staying on the back of the lead back, but then I just ran out of gas. I limped to the first stop getting passed by everyone. A buddy ask me to grab his wheel, and I couldn't do it. I would ride with fiends for a mile or so, and fall back. Was a great site to see my wife waiting for me, however even she was starting to get a bit worried. We loaded up and headed back to Richmond. Got to the finish and saw a lot of riders come in. Saw Psimet to say hello, but he was getting a great hug from his son.
Times were about 25 minutes slower then last year. A tandem finished first at about 6:50, then the first pack (very larger group of 15-20 riders) - finished around 7:04 (times are by best guess). The lead pack rounded the last turn at speed so we thought there was going to be some blood and guts, but everyone got around safely.
Congrats to all those that completed it, conditions were tough with the rain in the am and hot and humid in the afternoon. I've booked a room for next year, so hoping for a better performance.
I dropped out at the first stop, being sick all week and basically still on a liquid diet, it was not my day. The good news is I hit my weight loss target in less then a week :-)
I rode hard for the first 23 miles, staying on the back of the lead back, but then I just ran out of gas. I limped to the first stop getting passed by everyone. A buddy ask me to grab his wheel, and I couldn't do it. I would ride with fiends for a mile or so, and fall back. Was a great site to see my wife waiting for me, however even she was starting to get a bit worried. We loaded up and headed back to Richmond. Got to the finish and saw a lot of riders come in. Saw Psimet to say hello, but he was getting a great hug from his son.
Times were about 25 minutes slower then last year. A tandem finished first at about 6:50, then the first pack (very larger group of 15-20 riders) - finished around 7:04 (times are by best guess). The lead pack rounded the last turn at speed so we thought there was going to be some blood and guts, but everyone got around safely.
Congrats to all those that completed it, conditions were tough with the rain in the am and hot and humid in the afternoon. I've booked a room for next year, so hoping for a better performance.
fholt
07-13-08, 09:13 PM
Since I got my info on this ride from this forum - I'm going to post my lengthy comments here. I heard of RAIN on bikeforums - and have had it as a goal since I first rode RAGBRAI in 2005. I don't have enough vacation to spend a week doing something like that every year - so I have used RAIN is a training goal. Given the distance (to/from Indiana), my next 160 miler may be from here (Cary, NC) to the beach at Wilimington. I can convince my wife and daughter to drive to the beach, not so much to Indiana - so here's my report on my solo journey to attempt RAIN. >>
My day was AWESOME! In spite of a littany of those "you should never" transgressions on my part.
I drove from NC to Terre Haute for my first RAIN starting Thrusday evening after work, arriving Friday afternoon and checked into the Holiday Inn, then went to the Drury Inn to get my packet and Jersey. I inquired about where the "busdog guy" was, and nobody seemed to know, but said he'd be there around 9PM. I used the extra time to scout the route from the hotel to the start, and noting the bad road around the river, I left the morning plan up to a game time decision.
After dinner at a little mexican place, I rechecked everything I meant to have in my "bus bag" ( more tubes and CO2, more gels, HEED, and Hammer Bars, and a complete second kit - shorts, jersey, socks, gloves, headsweat, everything). After dropping that with Mark and Rachel Robinson, I headed back for final prep and sleep. Well - not so much. After obsessing to make sure I had everything laid out, everything for the pockets, including an extra bottle (never carried a bottle in my jersey before, but looking at the leg from lunch to final stop I figured I'd need it - and I did) - I finally hit the sack around midnight, with the alarm set for 5. Sadly, the obsessing didn't subside, and I laid there hoping to sleep until I finally did sometime after 2:15.
My wakeup at 5 coincided with great flashes of lightning outside the window - so I hit the weather channel and weather.com - and at first thought the second wave might pass through by just before 7 - then I realized it was a 3 hour loop, not a 1 hour, and that the rain was going to have it's way for a while.
I left the hotel at 6:30 geared up and as I headed out it began to rain (again? the road wasn't wet). After considering the purity of the event vs riding headlong into the thunderstorm, I decided to join at the Courthouse, and I and a bunch of others waited for the group under the cover of the bank driveup across the way. I dropped in just as the lead pack passed, and the group started to thin. Too late to jump on (though I did try to catch) and too quick to be with the next group. I rode solo for the first little while, finally latching on to the first good sized passing group, and rode with them - it was a big group - most of the way to the first stop. It was almost chilly, but I'll take it over sweltering anyday. I wasn't happy that my shoes were full of water in the first 5 miles, and was alarmed by how many folks were already changing flats! I didn't start that far behind the first group and there seemed to be somebody working on one every quarter mile.
After a quick stop at the first rest (clean glasses, fig newtons, PBJ, hit the head and go) I rode off toward the second stop in lighter rain finally falling in (OK sucking wheel mostly, but I did take a turn or 2) with a smaller group. maybe 5 plus a tandem that either pulled at a blazing clip or went to the back, where they'd get impatient and then come back up and pull hard again. I figured I was going too hard here, so I kept trying to let them go, but then the group would slow and I'd be back in again. I made quick work of the second stop, but this was right about where we started to sense the sun, so I added sunscreen (yeah right, that'll stick) and headed on.
Steamy doesn't do justice to the next leg, but I arrived at lunch, ate, and went off to find the bus guy to see if I could change. I did, (on the bus which was like a sauna but I had clean clothes on) and after repacking my gear started off toward the last rest stop. I was carrying that 3rd bottle (ultimately full of hot lemonade) plus my 2 polar bottles. I still managed to run out of water and heed (with just a little hot lemonade left) before finding Hwy 40 again. I rode so much of this leg alone I several times thought I must have gone off course, only to find another marking at the next STOP SIGN. I was thrilled to finally find 40 again. God Bless whomever put that Caseys there - I was able to reload the bottles - even fill them with ice - and nice COLD bottles will really take the edge off. I did stop rest and cool off at the last stop, but the bottles were warming - so I topped them off and finally headed on towards the finish. Leaving the stop I could feel both calves threatening to cramp, so I set up a little system - I keep telling myself to go easy and spin (easy with that tailwind there) and make sure to take a drink every mile at that point - 27 drinks to the finish. I actually stopped in to one little convenience store for another cup of ice, in some little town around 10 miles out to keep the coolness going (and to further dilute that still too sweet gatorade)
I kept looking for the "hill" I've heard everyone talking about late in the game, and I did run up that one long grade - figuring "there'll be another one of these" but I guess that was it - and I arrived quite happily at the finish at 5:50. My plan had been to finish at 5 - with 8.5 hours on the bike, and 1.5 off. Final totals were 8:50 and 2.0. Showered and got the bus back (could have used some dinner) arriving back at 10pm. I did sleep last night, and drove all the way home today arriving around 8PM.
I'm shocked at the lack of soreness or cramping, my neck is a bit sore, but that's about it. I've been in much worse shape after shorter rides, but then again there's something to riding alone - not pushing it to take long pulls, or keep up with a group that might be going just a bit too hard. Or it could be from one or more of the "new" things I tried on this ride. HEED - I've had it before, but not on a long ride, I drank 5 packets - Hammer Gels - never before but they seem to work better for me than my usual clif shots (I did have a few of those too). Clif Blox Margarita flavor with extra salt (truly nasty - but perhaps they work).
So, while you should never try to ride 160 miles (OK, mine was 158 and change) on 2.5 hours sleep, while trying new nutrition strategies, it worked for me. Maybe I'll be sore tomorrow, if so my scheduled massage will certainly help, if not it's all gravy!
My totals:
Total Time: 10:50 (finished @ 5:50PM)
Saddle Time 8:49:53
Distance Ridden: 158.23
Cleaning this bike is going to be a biatch.
My day was AWESOME! In spite of a littany of those "you should never" transgressions on my part.
I drove from NC to Terre Haute for my first RAIN starting Thrusday evening after work, arriving Friday afternoon and checked into the Holiday Inn, then went to the Drury Inn to get my packet and Jersey. I inquired about where the "busdog guy" was, and nobody seemed to know, but said he'd be there around 9PM. I used the extra time to scout the route from the hotel to the start, and noting the bad road around the river, I left the morning plan up to a game time decision.
After dinner at a little mexican place, I rechecked everything I meant to have in my "bus bag" ( more tubes and CO2, more gels, HEED, and Hammer Bars, and a complete second kit - shorts, jersey, socks, gloves, headsweat, everything). After dropping that with Mark and Rachel Robinson, I headed back for final prep and sleep. Well - not so much. After obsessing to make sure I had everything laid out, everything for the pockets, including an extra bottle (never carried a bottle in my jersey before, but looking at the leg from lunch to final stop I figured I'd need it - and I did) - I finally hit the sack around midnight, with the alarm set for 5. Sadly, the obsessing didn't subside, and I laid there hoping to sleep until I finally did sometime after 2:15.
My wakeup at 5 coincided with great flashes of lightning outside the window - so I hit the weather channel and weather.com - and at first thought the second wave might pass through by just before 7 - then I realized it was a 3 hour loop, not a 1 hour, and that the rain was going to have it's way for a while.
I left the hotel at 6:30 geared up and as I headed out it began to rain (again? the road wasn't wet). After considering the purity of the event vs riding headlong into the thunderstorm, I decided to join at the Courthouse, and I and a bunch of others waited for the group under the cover of the bank driveup across the way. I dropped in just as the lead pack passed, and the group started to thin. Too late to jump on (though I did try to catch) and too quick to be with the next group. I rode solo for the first little while, finally latching on to the first good sized passing group, and rode with them - it was a big group - most of the way to the first stop. It was almost chilly, but I'll take it over sweltering anyday. I wasn't happy that my shoes were full of water in the first 5 miles, and was alarmed by how many folks were already changing flats! I didn't start that far behind the first group and there seemed to be somebody working on one every quarter mile.
After a quick stop at the first rest (clean glasses, fig newtons, PBJ, hit the head and go) I rode off toward the second stop in lighter rain finally falling in (OK sucking wheel mostly, but I did take a turn or 2) with a smaller group. maybe 5 plus a tandem that either pulled at a blazing clip or went to the back, where they'd get impatient and then come back up and pull hard again. I figured I was going too hard here, so I kept trying to let them go, but then the group would slow and I'd be back in again. I made quick work of the second stop, but this was right about where we started to sense the sun, so I added sunscreen (yeah right, that'll stick) and headed on.
Steamy doesn't do justice to the next leg, but I arrived at lunch, ate, and went off to find the bus guy to see if I could change. I did, (on the bus which was like a sauna but I had clean clothes on) and after repacking my gear started off toward the last rest stop. I was carrying that 3rd bottle (ultimately full of hot lemonade) plus my 2 polar bottles. I still managed to run out of water and heed (with just a little hot lemonade left) before finding Hwy 40 again. I rode so much of this leg alone I several times thought I must have gone off course, only to find another marking at the next STOP SIGN. I was thrilled to finally find 40 again. God Bless whomever put that Caseys there - I was able to reload the bottles - even fill them with ice - and nice COLD bottles will really take the edge off. I did stop rest and cool off at the last stop, but the bottles were warming - so I topped them off and finally headed on towards the finish. Leaving the stop I could feel both calves threatening to cramp, so I set up a little system - I keep telling myself to go easy and spin (easy with that tailwind there) and make sure to take a drink every mile at that point - 27 drinks to the finish. I actually stopped in to one little convenience store for another cup of ice, in some little town around 10 miles out to keep the coolness going (and to further dilute that still too sweet gatorade)
I kept looking for the "hill" I've heard everyone talking about late in the game, and I did run up that one long grade - figuring "there'll be another one of these" but I guess that was it - and I arrived quite happily at the finish at 5:50. My plan had been to finish at 5 - with 8.5 hours on the bike, and 1.5 off. Final totals were 8:50 and 2.0. Showered and got the bus back (could have used some dinner) arriving back at 10pm. I did sleep last night, and drove all the way home today arriving around 8PM.
I'm shocked at the lack of soreness or cramping, my neck is a bit sore, but that's about it. I've been in much worse shape after shorter rides, but then again there's something to riding alone - not pushing it to take long pulls, or keep up with a group that might be going just a bit too hard. Or it could be from one or more of the "new" things I tried on this ride. HEED - I've had it before, but not on a long ride, I drank 5 packets - Hammer Gels - never before but they seem to work better for me than my usual clif shots (I did have a few of those too). Clif Blox Margarita flavor with extra salt (truly nasty - but perhaps they work).
So, while you should never try to ride 160 miles (OK, mine was 158 and change) on 2.5 hours sleep, while trying new nutrition strategies, it worked for me. Maybe I'll be sore tomorrow, if so my scheduled massage will certainly help, if not it's all gravy!
My totals:
Total Time: 10:50 (finished @ 5:50PM)
Saddle Time 8:49:53
Distance Ridden: 158.23
Cleaning this bike is going to be a biatch.
aham23
07-13-08, 09:31 PM
Saddle Time: 8:44
Distance: 160.68
Avg Spd: 18.4
Total Time: 11:05 ?? - Doesn't seem right... I started at 7am and finished almost right at 5pm...which should be like 10:05. I think the Garmin added an hour to the total time because technically we started in a different time zone...an hour behind.
I ran hard in the morning. Was fairly close to the police escort all the way until they pulled off. I got a flat 17 miles in :(. Still maintained the same hammering pace after the flat. I faded a little just before the first stop.
The rain was actually really good. I know how hot this event can be so I was loving the coolness of the rain. It was enough that at one point I was thinking about getting my arm warmers out of the SAG van...HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
Due to the flat everyone was already ready to go by the time I rolled into the first stop. Restroom and bottle refill (not at the same time mind you) and we were off. Guys started peeling off during this leg. Eventually I peeled off with Voldemort. Got a SAG call from Mrs. Psimet and ended up losing Volde. Heard a group come around and head JT1 yell "Jump on!" I did an we rolled all the way into the next stop.
After that stop we rolled together pretty well for a portion until something happened. I started cramping bad and bonked at the same time. I never used to cramp, but this year it has been happening with increasing frequency.
"Luckily" scummer flatted at the same time. He had stopped when I flatted in the morning so I hung with him to give him a hand on his. The timing was convienient. Eventually I even dropped off his wheel.
I was suffering from here on out. I think the rain and speed in the morning tricked me and kept me from drinking and eating enough. At lunch aham was ready to go when I rolled in (no surprise). I drank as much fluid as I could and got a turkey sandwich in me. I finally got to change my socks and base layer and pick up a spare tube - only to find out I was out of CO2.
I lost it after lunch. I always do. I HATE the section around INDY. It's feels like the devil's oven when the sun is out. There is no shade, no air moving, and the pavement acts like a reflector...and it is always around noon when you hit it. Not to mention this is where you are hitting the century mark...doesn't help.
I think I rolled something like a 5:10 century. Still respectable.
I was having a total crisis of faith. I was sitting there thinking: I have already done this 3 other times. I will not be breaking a record, I will not be finishing with anyone else I know. There is a TT the next day that I wanted to do....so I called SAG.
The plan was to have her meet me where we get back on 40. I would sit in the car and cool down and pick up water then see how I felt. If I felt like crap then I would call it a day.
Like usual all it took was a minute or two in the AC and some cold fluids to realize it wasn't that much further.
Turns out I was babbling, not making sense, I couldn't concentrate, had a killer headache, and felt like throwing up. All primo signs of dehydration. Awesome.
Between there and the last stop went better/faster, but I was still struggling a bit. Another sit down in the van. I was only able to stomach 2 popcicles. Even then I didn't feel like they were going to stay down.
I decided I was going to need something so I grabbed a handful of gels. I popped one every 30 minutes from there out. Within 10 minutes or so I was feeling fairly decent. I started passing quite a few people again. The last fifteen miles I felt really good. Good enough to zip up the jersey and have enough speed coming in to have to swing wide for the turn into the college.
A special thanks to Mrs. Psimet and Little Psimet for putting up with a van full of internet bicycle geeks who most likely smelled like a 4 day old diaper.
I didn't get back until 1:00 am or there abouts and decided that the 7:30 registration for the TT was pushing it. Not to mention I was going to have to put on clip ons and change my saddle setup. I am sure I have forgotten something. I will post back with other thanks as I think of them.
I also have pictures....at least some...
the time change thing is confusing ;), but you finished around 6pm. the Edge tracks the ride time and total time like a stop watch. maybe you are still dehydrated.................:D:D:D
later.
Distance: 160.68
Avg Spd: 18.4
Total Time: 11:05 ?? - Doesn't seem right... I started at 7am and finished almost right at 5pm...which should be like 10:05. I think the Garmin added an hour to the total time because technically we started in a different time zone...an hour behind.
I ran hard in the morning. Was fairly close to the police escort all the way until they pulled off. I got a flat 17 miles in :(. Still maintained the same hammering pace after the flat. I faded a little just before the first stop.
The rain was actually really good. I know how hot this event can be so I was loving the coolness of the rain. It was enough that at one point I was thinking about getting my arm warmers out of the SAG van...HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
Due to the flat everyone was already ready to go by the time I rolled into the first stop. Restroom and bottle refill (not at the same time mind you) and we were off. Guys started peeling off during this leg. Eventually I peeled off with Voldemort. Got a SAG call from Mrs. Psimet and ended up losing Volde. Heard a group come around and head JT1 yell "Jump on!" I did an we rolled all the way into the next stop.
After that stop we rolled together pretty well for a portion until something happened. I started cramping bad and bonked at the same time. I never used to cramp, but this year it has been happening with increasing frequency.
"Luckily" scummer flatted at the same time. He had stopped when I flatted in the morning so I hung with him to give him a hand on his. The timing was convienient. Eventually I even dropped off his wheel.
I was suffering from here on out. I think the rain and speed in the morning tricked me and kept me from drinking and eating enough. At lunch aham was ready to go when I rolled in (no surprise). I drank as much fluid as I could and got a turkey sandwich in me. I finally got to change my socks and base layer and pick up a spare tube - only to find out I was out of CO2.
I lost it after lunch. I always do. I HATE the section around INDY. It's feels like the devil's oven when the sun is out. There is no shade, no air moving, and the pavement acts like a reflector...and it is always around noon when you hit it. Not to mention this is where you are hitting the century mark...doesn't help.
I think I rolled something like a 5:10 century. Still respectable.
I was having a total crisis of faith. I was sitting there thinking: I have already done this 3 other times. I will not be breaking a record, I will not be finishing with anyone else I know. There is a TT the next day that I wanted to do....so I called SAG.
The plan was to have her meet me where we get back on 40. I would sit in the car and cool down and pick up water then see how I felt. If I felt like crap then I would call it a day.
Like usual all it took was a minute or two in the AC and some cold fluids to realize it wasn't that much further.
Turns out I was babbling, not making sense, I couldn't concentrate, had a killer headache, and felt like throwing up. All primo signs of dehydration. Awesome.
Between there and the last stop went better/faster, but I was still struggling a bit. Another sit down in the van. I was only able to stomach 2 popcicles. Even then I didn't feel like they were going to stay down.
I decided I was going to need something so I grabbed a handful of gels. I popped one every 30 minutes from there out. Within 10 minutes or so I was feeling fairly decent. I started passing quite a few people again. The last fifteen miles I felt really good. Good enough to zip up the jersey and have enough speed coming in to have to swing wide for the turn into the college.
A special thanks to Mrs. Psimet and Little Psimet for putting up with a van full of internet bicycle geeks who most likely smelled like a 4 day old diaper.
I didn't get back until 1:00 am or there abouts and decided that the 7:30 registration for the TT was pushing it. Not to mention I was going to have to put on clip ons and change my saddle setup. I am sure I have forgotten something. I will post back with other thanks as I think of them.
I also have pictures....at least some...
the time change thing is confusing ;), but you finished around 6pm. the Edge tracks the ride time and total time like a stop watch. maybe you are still dehydrated.................:D:D:D
later.
Scummer
07-13-08, 11:47 PM
Oh yeah. 19.2 mph. I would have bet big money against myself breaking 17.5. So I'm a happy guy, AND I can still walk today (I also wasn't too sure about !). I was at 8:20 saddle time. Total time, uh, same as Scummer (since I forgot to set that). I think 10 hours and ? minutes.
I just checked my Garmin, it says 10:18 total time.
Thomas
I just checked my Garmin, it says 10:18 total time.
Thomas
ColorChange
07-14-08, 08:18 AM
Love the ride reports guys ...
Maybe I'll try this one next year. ;)
Maybe I'll try this one next year. ;)
Psimet2001
07-14-08, 08:18 AM
the time change thing is confusing ;), but you finished around 6pm. the Edge tracks the ride time and total time like a stop watch. maybe you are still dehydrated.................:D:D:D
later.
Yeah, I put that together last night. The Garmin said 5pm on the clock when I got in, but figured it must have kept the same time zone as the start(?). I figured last night it must have been 6. :(
later.
Yeah, I put that together last night. The Garmin said 5pm on the clock when I got in, but figured it must have kept the same time zone as the start(?). I figured last night it must have been 6. :(
CyLowe97
07-14-08, 08:22 AM
Yeah, I put that together last night. The Garmin said 5pm on the clock when I got in, but figured it must have kept the same time zone as the start(?). I figured last night it must have been 6. :(
Dehydration FTW!! :eek:
Still waiting on aham23's epic report. I'm guessing he's got it out to his copy editor or something.
Dehydration FTW!! :eek:
Still waiting on aham23's epic report. I'm guessing he's got it out to his copy editor or something.
aham23
07-14-08, 09:38 AM
first, much thanks to Team Psimet for guiding us to and from RAIN via the Starship Psimet. Mrs Psi and Little Psi were troopers and provided us excellent SAG. it was appreciated for sure :thumb:.
this was my third RAIN. while my mileage was about the same as last year, i think the efforts have been better, so i was feeling good going into the 160 journey.
we woke up early to some nasty looking skies. very dark with consistent bright flashes of lightning. rain at RAIN....i thought....this should be fun. we arrived at the start early and got a nice spot near the line. eat drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die. with the start of RAIN the rain started.
miles 0-40: fast & flats. twitchy & itchy. we were rolling with the lead group. riders were flatting left and right. to my right Psimet. to my left it NVR (hey, anyone seen NVR?). shortly after Psi flatted i decided to drop to the back of the lead pack. despite the conditions (you know, the obvious need to take it easy) riders were all over the road and very impatient. i felt like this could get ugly and wanted none of it. i hung on to back of the fast pack until mile 25. it was just time to get real and slow it down a bit. this was about the time the rain stopped. the skies remained ominous though. i rolled solo into the 1st stop.
miles 40-60: we rolled out fully loaded (me, Psi, JT1, Scummer, & Voldemort). the sun was coming out and one could feel the heat & humidity rising. it was going to be very muggy. we pretty much stuck together during this stretch. it was these miles where Psi admitted he was hurting. maybe we shouldnt have rushed him out of the 1st stop :innocent:.
miles 60-90: rolling into and around Indy we could see a lot of standing water and flooding. we just missed some nasty weather for sure. this section was fun. Scummer power pulled, then went off roading, then more power pulling, then a flat. i rode into lunch slightly ahead of our group. like last year i was really needing the break...........and oreo cookies.
miles 90-130: oreo cookie power. after one samich and 12 oreo cookies i departed the lunch stop solo. like Psi mentioned this always seem to be the toughest stretch. you pass the 100 mile mark, but realize you have 3 hours to go. the heat and humidity of the day are peaking. it just gets nasty. a couple things kept me going; i hit the century mark at 4h 53min, a sub 5 hour 100 & my fastest ever. looking for and dreaming of route 40 kept me going. searching the DMB catalogue in my head for that song Psi & i sang at the rollout kept me going.
miles 130-160: I can ride my bike with no handlebars. No handlebars. No handlebars. the pain cave was sucking me in as i rolled into the last rest stop. most of the riders there appeared to be in the same fashion. i didnt stay long. i didnt eat much. i did snag a brown sugar poptart for the car ride home! i pretty much rode the second half of this ride solo. only getting passed by 2 riders. around 150 i started computer watching. "damn you Garmin Edge, click those freaking miles off already." at mile 158 a lady blew past me on the descent into Richmond. i had passed her group just prior. i thought good for her. no i didnt :D. i jumped on it and decended into town catching her as she celebrated prematurely. i didnt take the foot off the gas until the turn to the finish line. i got issues.
Eat, drink, and be merry.
For tomorrow we die.
Eat, drink, and be merry.
For tomorrow we die.
'Cause we're Tripping Billies.
my third RAIN was epic. they all have been in some way or the other. from first timer, to perfect conditons, to the pain cave. i will be back next year.
congrats to everyone. way to fight the mind and body Psimet..................AND WIN.
MB Edge Stats. (http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/6230233)
my ride time = 7h 55min for a 20.2 mph avg.
total time was just over 9 hours.
later.
this was my third RAIN. while my mileage was about the same as last year, i think the efforts have been better, so i was feeling good going into the 160 journey.
we woke up early to some nasty looking skies. very dark with consistent bright flashes of lightning. rain at RAIN....i thought....this should be fun. we arrived at the start early and got a nice spot near the line. eat drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die. with the start of RAIN the rain started.
miles 0-40: fast & flats. twitchy & itchy. we were rolling with the lead group. riders were flatting left and right. to my right Psimet. to my left it NVR (hey, anyone seen NVR?). shortly after Psi flatted i decided to drop to the back of the lead pack. despite the conditions (you know, the obvious need to take it easy) riders were all over the road and very impatient. i felt like this could get ugly and wanted none of it. i hung on to back of the fast pack until mile 25. it was just time to get real and slow it down a bit. this was about the time the rain stopped. the skies remained ominous though. i rolled solo into the 1st stop.
miles 40-60: we rolled out fully loaded (me, Psi, JT1, Scummer, & Voldemort). the sun was coming out and one could feel the heat & humidity rising. it was going to be very muggy. we pretty much stuck together during this stretch. it was these miles where Psi admitted he was hurting. maybe we shouldnt have rushed him out of the 1st stop :innocent:.
miles 60-90: rolling into and around Indy we could see a lot of standing water and flooding. we just missed some nasty weather for sure. this section was fun. Scummer power pulled, then went off roading, then more power pulling, then a flat. i rode into lunch slightly ahead of our group. like last year i was really needing the break...........and oreo cookies.
miles 90-130: oreo cookie power. after one samich and 12 oreo cookies i departed the lunch stop solo. like Psi mentioned this always seem to be the toughest stretch. you pass the 100 mile mark, but realize you have 3 hours to go. the heat and humidity of the day are peaking. it just gets nasty. a couple things kept me going; i hit the century mark at 4h 53min, a sub 5 hour 100 & my fastest ever. looking for and dreaming of route 40 kept me going. searching the DMB catalogue in my head for that song Psi & i sang at the rollout kept me going.
miles 130-160: I can ride my bike with no handlebars. No handlebars. No handlebars. the pain cave was sucking me in as i rolled into the last rest stop. most of the riders there appeared to be in the same fashion. i didnt stay long. i didnt eat much. i did snag a brown sugar poptart for the car ride home! i pretty much rode the second half of this ride solo. only getting passed by 2 riders. around 150 i started computer watching. "damn you Garmin Edge, click those freaking miles off already." at mile 158 a lady blew past me on the descent into Richmond. i had passed her group just prior. i thought good for her. no i didnt :D. i jumped on it and decended into town catching her as she celebrated prematurely. i didnt take the foot off the gas until the turn to the finish line. i got issues.
Eat, drink, and be merry.
For tomorrow we die.
Eat, drink, and be merry.
For tomorrow we die.
'Cause we're Tripping Billies.
my third RAIN was epic. they all have been in some way or the other. from first timer, to perfect conditons, to the pain cave. i will be back next year.
congrats to everyone. way to fight the mind and body Psimet..................AND WIN.
MB Edge Stats. (http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/6230233)
my ride time = 7h 55min for a 20.2 mph avg.
total time was just over 9 hours.
later.
aham23
07-14-08, 09:42 AM
Dehydration FTW!! :eek:
Still waiting on aham23's epic report. I'm guessing he's got it out to his copy editor or something.
you got me confused with.......you. :p
i am in Orlando. sitting in the lobby of the Marriott World Center, the largest Marriot in the, well, world. watching the Le Tour on a lobby TV. see, they dont have VS in the room, but do in the lobby. logically i requested they put it on and have been sitting in the lobby since 8am. wait, that would 7am your time. i think. damn those time zones.
Valverde is in a spot of bother.
Still waiting on aham23's epic report. I'm guessing he's got it out to his copy editor or something.
you got me confused with.......you. :p
i am in Orlando. sitting in the lobby of the Marriott World Center, the largest Marriot in the, well, world. watching the Le Tour on a lobby TV. see, they dont have VS in the room, but do in the lobby. logically i requested they put it on and have been sitting in the lobby since 8am. wait, that would 7am your time. i think. damn those time zones.
Valverde is in a spot of bother.
Scummer
07-14-08, 09:47 AM
Better to sit at the Marriott and be able to watch TV then being at work and don't have any TV at all :mad:
ColorChange
07-14-08, 10:16 AM
Hea Ahem ... nice numbers.
Psimet2001
07-14-08, 10:19 AM
Before the literal rain.
http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/1007/dsc04021yc3.jpg
Getting back so late meant I never had the time to setup the bike for the TT. I actually felt kind of good the next morning too. Knee felt like crap though. I need to work on fit again.
So...the borrowed Zipps are going back, but I did take a minute to mount them to see what everything would look like.
http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/3623/dsc04047ni3.jpg
Nice.
http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/1007/dsc04021yc3.jpg
Getting back so late meant I never had the time to setup the bike for the TT. I actually felt kind of good the next morning too. Knee felt like crap though. I need to work on fit again.
So...the borrowed Zipps are going back, but I did take a minute to mount them to see what everything would look like.
http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/3623/dsc04047ni3.jpg
Nice.
CyLowe97
07-14-08, 10:21 AM
^^ Holy crap. That's a dark sky ^^
You guys are freakin' awesome.
You guys are freakin' awesome.
Psimet2001
07-14-08, 10:33 AM
At the hotel:
http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/4118/dsc04020wy4.jpg
http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/1481/dsc04016cx5.jpg
http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/7818/dsc04018fo4.jpg
Think it's going to rain guys??? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/9744/dsc04026aq7.jpg
http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/4118/dsc04020wy4.jpg
http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/1481/dsc04016cx5.jpg
http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/7818/dsc04018fo4.jpg
Think it's going to rain guys??? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/9744/dsc04026aq7.jpg
Psimet2001
07-14-08, 10:39 AM
Finally at the finish - R900 in the background :thumb::
http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/9644/dsc04039mf5.jpg
http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/842/dsc04045vw7.jpg
http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/9644/dsc04039mf5.jpg
http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/842/dsc04045vw7.jpg
Scummer
07-14-08, 10:45 AM
Cool pics :)
Preliminary results are out on the RAIN website. Official finish time for me and Greg is 10:16 :D
Preliminary results are out on the RAIN website. Official finish time for me and Greg is 10:16 :D
Psimet2001
07-14-08, 10:57 AM
Hmmm...looks like about 250 or so didn't finish..about normal.
I finished in front of 51% of the riders who finished.
EDIT: Found the numbers I ran before. I like these better because it assumes there is the same mix of people every year, and allows you to eliminate the variables of riding conditions:
2005: 74.9%
2006: 69.5%
2007: 32.9%
2008: 49.1%
So ...2nd best year I guess. Sure didn't feel like it.
I finished in front of 51% of the riders who finished.
EDIT: Found the numbers I ran before. I like these better because it assumes there is the same mix of people every year, and allows you to eliminate the variables of riding conditions:
2005: 74.9%
2006: 69.5%
2007: 32.9%
2008: 49.1%
So ...2nd best year I guess. Sure didn't feel like it.
nvr
07-14-08, 12:03 PM
Well, now that I'm home and caught up on sleep, here's how my day went. My adventure started early. Woke up at 4am and went to the gas station to grab a coffee and fill up the car for my wife (SAG). The black cat crossing in front of me at the pump should have been a tip off, but I didn't think about it at the time. There was lightning in all directions and I kept wondering to myself how the jersey designers can predict the weather. If next year's jersey design has a tornado, I'm staying home.
Rolled up to the start and was spotted by the BFNIC crew. The rain started two minutes before the start time. It was going to be a day to remember. We rolled out slowly, but the pace quickly picked up as soon as we turned onto 40. Being in the front group has it's advantages...fast pace and lots of drafting options, it also meant that I only had to avoid a handful of bottles dropped. Psimet flatted shortly into the ride, and didn't want any help. Felt bad for him flatting so early. Well, Someone must have read my mind because one mile later, my rear went flat. Pulled off to the side, and saw no one behind me. Wow, I was in the lead group this whole time...cool beans. That's never happened before. I found a sliver of rock in the tire and swapped tubes. I jumped back on the bike and just started rolling when the rear went flat again! I couldn't find anything else in the tire, and the other 5 patches seemed to be holding. Long story short...two rear flats, one slow leak, and one front flat all within the first 20 miles. I had SAG drive back and I walked to kill time. I put in new tubes and grabbed more co2 just in case (they held for the rest of the ride). I debated hitching a ride to the first stop, but decided I was going to ride the whole thing.
Rest stop 1.....kept it short and sweet since I had over an hour's worth break during my flats experience. This is where my family met "RD" (RAIN Dog). Cute little stray that took a liking to us. I told my wife I wouldn't mind if the dog came home with us, just to put some towels on the seat, but RD was left behind. "RD" apparently ran behind the car as long as she could when the family left. I was later told my youngest daughter cried for 20 minutes because the dog couldn't come home with us.
I was feeling pretty good until about mile 80. It was getting pretty hot, and I was starting to run short on water. I was getting a killer headache and slightly dizzy so I slowed down and pop a couple of Motrin. I called my SAG to let them know I would be there soon when my wife told me she was lost :twitchy: I rolled into the lunch stop, made a sandwich, refilled my bottles, and waited on the curb for my family to show up. I dumped the bottle of water on my head to cool off. We had a little picnic under the shade when I decided I was going to wuss out and hitch a ride back to 40. Not my proudest moment, but I'll fess up that I had a moment of heat stroke induced weakness. I got dropped off at the Casey's General Store/ gas station and continued my ride from there.
I felt pretty strong from there to the finish. Amazing what sitting in a/c for 30 minutes can do (not to mention skipping the hardest 20 miles of RAIN). Even the "big hill" at the end didn't scare me this time. I credit riding HHH to that. I rolled into the finish about 6:11. I think I'll send the keychain back, I don't deserve it.
137.8 miles
19.5 avg
7:01 ride time
11:11 total time - mostly the flats and waiting for SAG to find me. I rode the rest of the ride solo. Long day for me considering I haven't even done one century yet this year. Here's hoping for better luck next year, unless of course the jersey predicts bad weather.
Rolled up to the start and was spotted by the BFNIC crew. The rain started two minutes before the start time. It was going to be a day to remember. We rolled out slowly, but the pace quickly picked up as soon as we turned onto 40. Being in the front group has it's advantages...fast pace and lots of drafting options, it also meant that I only had to avoid a handful of bottles dropped. Psimet flatted shortly into the ride, and didn't want any help. Felt bad for him flatting so early. Well, Someone must have read my mind because one mile later, my rear went flat. Pulled off to the side, and saw no one behind me. Wow, I was in the lead group this whole time...cool beans. That's never happened before. I found a sliver of rock in the tire and swapped tubes. I jumped back on the bike and just started rolling when the rear went flat again! I couldn't find anything else in the tire, and the other 5 patches seemed to be holding. Long story short...two rear flats, one slow leak, and one front flat all within the first 20 miles. I had SAG drive back and I walked to kill time. I put in new tubes and grabbed more co2 just in case (they held for the rest of the ride). I debated hitching a ride to the first stop, but decided I was going to ride the whole thing.
Rest stop 1.....kept it short and sweet since I had over an hour's worth break during my flats experience. This is where my family met "RD" (RAIN Dog). Cute little stray that took a liking to us. I told my wife I wouldn't mind if the dog came home with us, just to put some towels on the seat, but RD was left behind. "RD" apparently ran behind the car as long as she could when the family left. I was later told my youngest daughter cried for 20 minutes because the dog couldn't come home with us.
I was feeling pretty good until about mile 80. It was getting pretty hot, and I was starting to run short on water. I was getting a killer headache and slightly dizzy so I slowed down and pop a couple of Motrin. I called my SAG to let them know I would be there soon when my wife told me she was lost :twitchy: I rolled into the lunch stop, made a sandwich, refilled my bottles, and waited on the curb for my family to show up. I dumped the bottle of water on my head to cool off. We had a little picnic under the shade when I decided I was going to wuss out and hitch a ride back to 40. Not my proudest moment, but I'll fess up that I had a moment of heat stroke induced weakness. I got dropped off at the Casey's General Store/ gas station and continued my ride from there.
I felt pretty strong from there to the finish. Amazing what sitting in a/c for 30 minutes can do (not to mention skipping the hardest 20 miles of RAIN). Even the "big hill" at the end didn't scare me this time. I credit riding HHH to that. I rolled into the finish about 6:11. I think I'll send the keychain back, I don't deserve it.
137.8 miles
19.5 avg
7:01 ride time
11:11 total time - mostly the flats and waiting for SAG to find me. I rode the rest of the ride solo. Long day for me considering I haven't even done one century yet this year. Here's hoping for better luck next year, unless of course the jersey predicts bad weather.
Psimet2001
07-14-08, 12:25 PM
Dude...you came in right after me. We kept saying, "what happened to nvr?"
aham23
07-14-08, 02:20 PM
NVR, glad to hear from you. somehow we missed you at the finish, which is odd as we were likely standing right there on it when you crossed. Psi was thinking you must have had some tire/wheel issues. nice job on crossing the line. later.
Psimet2001
07-14-08, 03:04 PM
yeah...I figured your JB-weld finally failed. :eek:
MKahrl
07-14-08, 03:29 PM
I would like to give a hand to the Bloomington Bike Club for running a well organized ride. Registration was easy, the souvenirs nice, the jersey design is good-looking, the route well marked and the snack and lunch stops put out a great spread of food.
Leaving each of the snack stops I missed the big sign that said "Just drop your food and goo wrappers on the road. Someone else will pick up after you." Actually, I don't think there was such a sign. I don't know if it was just one guy throwing a lot of wrappers or a hundred guys dropping one wrapper apiece but whatever universe they are from, it's not okay in this one.
Leaving each of the snack stops I missed the big sign that said "Just drop your food and goo wrappers on the road. Someone else will pick up after you." Actually, I don't think there was such a sign. I don't know if it was just one guy throwing a lot of wrappers or a hundred guys dropping one wrapper apiece but whatever universe they are from, it's not okay in this one.
Psimet2001
07-14-08, 03:47 PM
That seems to happen in every event. Some people just don't get it. I like to think that a few of them are mistakes where an old wrapper stuck to a glove as they were pulling something else out.
I care, but if I really cared I would stop and pick them up. I don't.
I care, but if I really cared I would stop and pick them up. I don't.
JT1
07-14-08, 08:11 PM
Epic?
This was my first RAIN event. The main reason for my choosing this ride, was to ride and hang out with some of the Bike Forums group. I was all set to ride down in Starship Psimett, when an opportunity to photograph a clients project came up. The project was in Indy, and the photography was scheduled for Sunday. This now meant driving myself, taking a bus back to Terre Haute after the ride, and not having a ride to the start. Not quite my initial plan.:(
I met up with the group for dinner on Friday night, and also arranged a place to meet at the start line. I don't enjoy riding in the rain, I usually check the weather the morning of a ride, and if doesn't look good I don't ride. I had too much invested to not ride this ride, so I headed to the start line. The lightning light show on the way to the start line was interesting. I met the guys at the start line, where we were greeted with rain shower before the start.
We all took off with the first group, the rain was refreshing, however seeing through glasses covered with dirt was another story. The rain spread the group out quite a bit, so there wasn't really much drafting. Riding close to the rider in front, would give you a nice face full of water and road debris. The group was pushing mid 20's, but without an opportunity to draft, I dropped off right before 20 miles.
The rest of the ride was a bag of mixed blessings. Rain with muck in the face, followed by Hot and very humid weather. I had an opportunity to ride with all the guys throughout the ride, however not always at the same time. I rode with aham23 quite a bit in the first half, but he left the lunch stop before me, and I never saw him again till the finish. Scummer showed off his pulling abilities, however he felt he had to pass everyone in sight, and most of us just watched him go. I also witnessed firsthand his curb jumping skills. Psimet2001 did not have a good day, let's just leave it at that. I don't know what impressed me more about Voldemort, his keen drafting abilities, or that wherever I looked he was there. I would drop him, then he would catch up, I would drop off, then I would pass him. I would be stopping for water and he would pass by.
My personal goal was to complete the ride in under 8hr saddle time. At the last rest stop I realized I would have to average 24mph for the last leg to meet my goal. I am usually a strong finisher, so I gave it all I could. Unfortunately the only other riders I saw, were the ones I was passing. I was on pace for the first half, but the rollers slowed me down. I ended up averaging 22mph for the last leg.
I didn't make my goal of 8hr, my saddle time was 8hr 11m. But I finished, I didn't get hurt or hurt anyone else. I will be back next year to give aham23 some of the pulls he deserved, then give him a run for his money at the finish.:D
This was my first RAIN event. The main reason for my choosing this ride, was to ride and hang out with some of the Bike Forums group. I was all set to ride down in Starship Psimett, when an opportunity to photograph a clients project came up. The project was in Indy, and the photography was scheduled for Sunday. This now meant driving myself, taking a bus back to Terre Haute after the ride, and not having a ride to the start. Not quite my initial plan.:(
I met up with the group for dinner on Friday night, and also arranged a place to meet at the start line. I don't enjoy riding in the rain, I usually check the weather the morning of a ride, and if doesn't look good I don't ride. I had too much invested to not ride this ride, so I headed to the start line. The lightning light show on the way to the start line was interesting. I met the guys at the start line, where we were greeted with rain shower before the start.
We all took off with the first group, the rain was refreshing, however seeing through glasses covered with dirt was another story. The rain spread the group out quite a bit, so there wasn't really much drafting. Riding close to the rider in front, would give you a nice face full of water and road debris. The group was pushing mid 20's, but without an opportunity to draft, I dropped off right before 20 miles.
The rest of the ride was a bag of mixed blessings. Rain with muck in the face, followed by Hot and very humid weather. I had an opportunity to ride with all the guys throughout the ride, however not always at the same time. I rode with aham23 quite a bit in the first half, but he left the lunch stop before me, and I never saw him again till the finish. Scummer showed off his pulling abilities, however he felt he had to pass everyone in sight, and most of us just watched him go. I also witnessed firsthand his curb jumping skills. Psimet2001 did not have a good day, let's just leave it at that. I don't know what impressed me more about Voldemort, his keen drafting abilities, or that wherever I looked he was there. I would drop him, then he would catch up, I would drop off, then I would pass him. I would be stopping for water and he would pass by.
My personal goal was to complete the ride in under 8hr saddle time. At the last rest stop I realized I would have to average 24mph for the last leg to meet my goal. I am usually a strong finisher, so I gave it all I could. Unfortunately the only other riders I saw, were the ones I was passing. I was on pace for the first half, but the rollers slowed me down. I ended up averaging 22mph for the last leg.
I didn't make my goal of 8hr, my saddle time was 8hr 11m. But I finished, I didn't get hurt or hurt anyone else. I will be back next year to give aham23 some of the pulls he deserved, then give him a run for his money at the finish.:D
Kimbercop
07-14-08, 08:42 PM
Congrats to all those who completed the RAIN. I'm proud to say that Ive been dropped by you all at one time or another.
aham23
07-14-08, 09:00 PM
Epic?
This was my first RAIN event. The main reason for my choosing this ride, was to ride and hang out with some of the Bike Forums group. I was all set to ride down in Starship Psimett, when an opportunity to photograph a clients project came up. The project was in Indy, and the photography was scheduled for Sunday. This now meant driving myself, taking a bus back to Terre Haute after the ride, and not having a ride to the start. Not quite my initial plan.:(
I met up with the group for dinner on Friday night, and also arranged a place to meet at the start line. I don't enjoy riding in the rain, I usually check the weather the morning of a ride, and if doesn't look good I don't ride. I had too much invested to not ride this ride, so I headed to the start line. The lightning light show on the way to the start line was interesting. I met the guys at the start line, where we were greeted with rain shower before the start.
We all took off with the first group, the rain was refreshing, however seeing through glasses covered with dirt was another story. The rain spread the group out quite a bit, so there wasn't really much drafting. Riding close to the rider in front, would give you a nice face full of water and road debris. The group was pushing mid 20's, but without an opportunity to draft, I dropped off right before 20 miles.
The rest of the ride was a bag of mixed blessings. Rain with muck in the face, followed by Hot and very humid weather. I had an opportunity to ride with all the guys throughout the ride, however not always at the same time. I rode with aham23 quite a bit in the first half, but he left the lunch stop before me, and I never saw him again till the finish. Scummer showed off his pulling abilities, however he felt he had to pass everyone in sight, and most of us just watched him go. I also witnessed firsthand his curb jumping skills. Psimet2001 did not have a good day, let's just leave it at that. I don't know what impressed me more about Voldemort, his keen drafting abilities, or that wherever I looked he was there. I would drop him, then he would catch up, I would drop off, then I would pass him. I would be stopping for water and he would pass by.
My personal goal was to complete the ride in under 8hr saddle time. At the last rest stop I realized I would have to average 24mph for the last leg to meet my goal. I am usually a strong finisher, so I gave it all I could. Unfortunately the only other riders I saw, were the ones I was passing. I was on pace for the first half, but the rollers slowed me down. I ended up averaging 22mph for the last leg.
I didn't make my goal of 8hr, my saddle time was 8hr 11m. But I finished, I didn't get hurt or hurt anyone else. I will be back next year to give aham23 some of the pulls he deserved, then give him a run for his money at the finish.:D
i welcome the challange, i mean company. ;)
nice job on your first RAIN. 160 miles aint childs play. later.
This was my first RAIN event. The main reason for my choosing this ride, was to ride and hang out with some of the Bike Forums group. I was all set to ride down in Starship Psimett, when an opportunity to photograph a clients project came up. The project was in Indy, and the photography was scheduled for Sunday. This now meant driving myself, taking a bus back to Terre Haute after the ride, and not having a ride to the start. Not quite my initial plan.:(
I met up with the group for dinner on Friday night, and also arranged a place to meet at the start line. I don't enjoy riding in the rain, I usually check the weather the morning of a ride, and if doesn't look good I don't ride. I had too much invested to not ride this ride, so I headed to the start line. The lightning light show on the way to the start line was interesting. I met the guys at the start line, where we were greeted with rain shower before the start.
We all took off with the first group, the rain was refreshing, however seeing through glasses covered with dirt was another story. The rain spread the group out quite a bit, so there wasn't really much drafting. Riding close to the rider in front, would give you a nice face full of water and road debris. The group was pushing mid 20's, but without an opportunity to draft, I dropped off right before 20 miles.
The rest of the ride was a bag of mixed blessings. Rain with muck in the face, followed by Hot and very humid weather. I had an opportunity to ride with all the guys throughout the ride, however not always at the same time. I rode with aham23 quite a bit in the first half, but he left the lunch stop before me, and I never saw him again till the finish. Scummer showed off his pulling abilities, however he felt he had to pass everyone in sight, and most of us just watched him go. I also witnessed firsthand his curb jumping skills. Psimet2001 did not have a good day, let's just leave it at that. I don't know what impressed me more about Voldemort, his keen drafting abilities, or that wherever I looked he was there. I would drop him, then he would catch up, I would drop off, then I would pass him. I would be stopping for water and he would pass by.
My personal goal was to complete the ride in under 8hr saddle time. At the last rest stop I realized I would have to average 24mph for the last leg to meet my goal. I am usually a strong finisher, so I gave it all I could. Unfortunately the only other riders I saw, were the ones I was passing. I was on pace for the first half, but the rollers slowed me down. I ended up averaging 22mph for the last leg.
I didn't make my goal of 8hr, my saddle time was 8hr 11m. But I finished, I didn't get hurt or hurt anyone else. I will be back next year to give aham23 some of the pulls he deserved, then give him a run for his money at the finish.:D
i welcome the challange, i mean company. ;)
nice job on your first RAIN. 160 miles aint childs play. later.
maxlstylee
07-14-08, 11:15 PM
First Rain.. Longest distance for sure.
Saddle time: 9:53
Total time: 12:15
Finisher # 696
I've been cycling 2 1/2 months. This was quite a big event for me. I'm 24 years old, 6'1 and 201lbs. I saw the event on these forums and just decided that it had to be done.
I took the week before to detox (read: no beer!) and it seemed to work out well. The only problem was that I could not sleep the evening before! I took the day off of work (labor) on Friday to make sure that I would not have tired legs. I laid down Friday night around 11 and hardly slept at all! I was incredibly nervous/excited. I just spent time staring at the clock and begging myself to fall asleep.
The clock went off at 4am and my mother and I drove from Indianapolis to Terre Haute only to encounter a huge storm! As I mentioned earlier, I have only been riding 2 1/2 months and I have avoided the rain religiously. When I got to the start line and it started raining I actually was glad it was there. No heat... maybe it would be a cool day? ... <insert buzzer here>.
Anyhow.. the ride went well for the most part. I started to struggle right before the lunch break. I didn't have enough to eat before the lunch break and I could tell. As other people have mentioned, it was hard to draft but I managed to just give in and accept the water in my face/mouth in order to get a break from pedaling. I was definitely sucking wheels there. I knew it was going to be a long day so I intended to do everything I could to make it easier
There was a moment during the ride where I felt like a real cyclist for the first time. We were in the first 44 miles, probably around mile 30 when I got into a group of 10 or so. We spent the rest of the leg rolling together 5 deep and 2 across taking turns pulling and drafting. Nobody was talking, all I could hear was people pedaling and the wheels on the pavement. It was a very serene moment and a great feeling of belonging.
There were moments where things were tough and I was pedaling hard feeling like I was supposed to be going 18/19mph only to look down and see I was going 14mph. I also avoided keeping the odometer on my computer. I just kept the average speed up. The miles seemed to drag on and on if I watched the odometer.
Overall it was a great experience. It was awful, but it was great. It seemed to go on forever.
I purchased a jersey and received it in the morning, but I refused to wear it until I was finished. For me, I just felt like I had to earn the jersey before I could wear it
I look forward to doing it again .. I think. Hahah.
Take care,
Alex
Saddle time: 9:53
Total time: 12:15
Finisher # 696
I've been cycling 2 1/2 months. This was quite a big event for me. I'm 24 years old, 6'1 and 201lbs. I saw the event on these forums and just decided that it had to be done.
I took the week before to detox (read: no beer!) and it seemed to work out well. The only problem was that I could not sleep the evening before! I took the day off of work (labor) on Friday to make sure that I would not have tired legs. I laid down Friday night around 11 and hardly slept at all! I was incredibly nervous/excited. I just spent time staring at the clock and begging myself to fall asleep.
The clock went off at 4am and my mother and I drove from Indianapolis to Terre Haute only to encounter a huge storm! As I mentioned earlier, I have only been riding 2 1/2 months and I have avoided the rain religiously. When I got to the start line and it started raining I actually was glad it was there. No heat... maybe it would be a cool day? ... <insert buzzer here>.
Anyhow.. the ride went well for the most part. I started to struggle right before the lunch break. I didn't have enough to eat before the lunch break and I could tell. As other people have mentioned, it was hard to draft but I managed to just give in and accept the water in my face/mouth in order to get a break from pedaling. I was definitely sucking wheels there. I knew it was going to be a long day so I intended to do everything I could to make it easier
There was a moment during the ride where I felt like a real cyclist for the first time. We were in the first 44 miles, probably around mile 30 when I got into a group of 10 or so. We spent the rest of the leg rolling together 5 deep and 2 across taking turns pulling and drafting. Nobody was talking, all I could hear was people pedaling and the wheels on the pavement. It was a very serene moment and a great feeling of belonging.
There were moments where things were tough and I was pedaling hard feeling like I was supposed to be going 18/19mph only to look down and see I was going 14mph. I also avoided keeping the odometer on my computer. I just kept the average speed up. The miles seemed to drag on and on if I watched the odometer.
Overall it was a great experience. It was awful, but it was great. It seemed to go on forever.
I purchased a jersey and received it in the morning, but I refused to wear it until I was finished. For me, I just felt like I had to earn the jersey before I could wear it
I look forward to doing it again .. I think. Hahah.
Take care,
Alex
voldemort
07-15-08, 03:58 PM
it was hard to draft but I managed to just give in and accept the water in my face/mouth in order to get a break from pedaling. I was definitely sucking wheels there. I knew it was going to be a long day so I intended to do everything I could to make it easier
Alex
You are hereby annointed as an honorary member of VACANT, the Voldemort Academy of Cycling And Nebulous Training.
School Motto: When in doubt, suck a wheel.
Alex
You are hereby annointed as an honorary member of VACANT, the Voldemort Academy of Cycling And Nebulous Training.
School Motto: When in doubt, suck a wheel.
gr8lksrungal
07-15-08, 09:37 PM
Great pics..great reports. Where do I sign up for next year? :D
maxlstylee
07-17-08, 07:20 PM
You are hereby annointed as an honorary member of VACANT, the Voldemort Academy of Cycling And Nebulous Training.
School Motto: When in doubt, suck a wheel.
hahaha
thanks!
School Motto: When in doubt, suck a wheel.
hahaha
thanks!
maxlstylee
07-17-08, 08:49 PM
Btw... does anyone know where all the photos that were taken are going to be posted? Some website? I remember the silver van driving around that had the URL plastered on it.. I just had a hard time looking anywhere but down!
Thanks,
Alex
Thanks,
Alex
aham23
07-18-08, 06:14 AM
Great pics..great reports. Where do I sign up for next year? :D
hey there, i know you :D!
stick around here and you will be doing crazy arse 160 miles ride in no time.
later.
hey there, i know you :D!
stick around here and you will be doing crazy arse 160 miles ride in no time.
later.
RacerOne
07-21-08, 09:24 PM
You guys have ridden by my house for the last 6 years and have finally re-inspired me to get back on the bike. Here is a snap I took of the lead group coming through about 5 miles east of Brazil in front of my house. I wanted to be doing it with you this year but things didn't work out, with any luck I'll be there next year. Enjoy the pic!
http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/4825/img6874copyuf1.jpg
http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/4825/img6874copyuf1.jpg
CyLowe97
07-22-08, 08:26 AM
Guy on his aerobars leading a big old pack of rec riders on slick pavement.
That's always a good time.
That's always a good time.
DougG
07-22-08, 10:26 AM
Here is a snap I took of the lead group coming through about 5 miles east of Brazil in front of my house.
That is a really great, well-composed picture. Looks like it could be the peloton in the Tour de EPO or whatever they call that race... :thumb:
That is a really great, well-composed picture. Looks like it could be the peloton in the Tour de EPO or whatever they call that race... :thumb: