jeneralist 

This originally got mentioned in the "Gran Fondo" thread: the Dog Daze ride, 27/50/77/100 miles, sponsored by the Brandywine bicycle club.

The weather forecast is for highs in the mid-80s and low chance of rain.

I think I'll be going. I'm not sure I'd want anyone to ride with me -- I'm slow (probably avg 10-11 mph) -- but if any of the BF gang will be there, I'd love to say hi face-to-face.

Edit: forgot the link -- https://www.brandywinebicycleclub.org/

Peter_C

Thanks for bringing it up... I'd jump at the chance (and call you fast to boot) but the DR says no to biking still - UGH - 3 weeks so far and counting~! Rotator cuff surgery....

Please bring up rides - you never know who might come, and not all of us are *fast*

Neil_B

I did the 50 mile route in 2007. Even experienced riders that day had trouble with a wall called Hecuba Road. Enjoy!

Neil_B

So you want hills if its with another rider? I'm hurt. :-(

jeneralist 

Well, this is a few hours after the ride: the point at which The Historian posts pictures and tells of us his victories, or Mr Beanz shows us videos of the mountains he's climbed.

Me? I get to share with you texts I sent my husband.
Somewhere around mile 15, I seemed to be playing tag with a group of 3 riders on road bikes. They'd pass me on the uphill; I'd rejoin them on the downhill. One of them called out, "Are you still having fun?" I answered, "Yes -- we're going downhill!"

I knew intellectually that I had been neglecting part of my physical education; but to have it demonstrated so clearly to me was a bit humbling.

No, the really humbling part is that I don't even feel tired right now. Why would I feel tired? I only rode about 2 miles farther than my daily commute. But at the time, the thought of one more "gently rolling" hill was making my calves quiver in fear.

If there had been more rest stops, or if the 50 mile route (the one I had set out on) had intersected the 27 mile route, I might have gone farther. But as it was, when I was offered a way to get back to the starting line that didn't require my calves cramping up, I thankfully grabbed it.

Peter_C

What to say? To me, the phrase "gently rolling hills" is just about as bad as the one I used to hear a lot when dating... "Gee Peter, you're such a *friend*" - the kiss of death~!

Perhaps had you someone to ride with that was feeling as you were, you may have both gone further?

A last bit of wisdom? If you never bit off more than you could chew, how would you ever know your limits?? Just remember how many people would NEVER have even tried it - at least you're out there.

BTW - like the texts....

Neil_B

The 50 mile route in 2007 was brutal. It taught me the meaning of "leg cramps." Sorry to read you had a bad time.