The Weak Link

BengeBoy's thread about his solo century has inspired me to try the same at the end of the week. My goal is a bit more modest: only a metric century, which will start at Russell's Point, Ohio, and wander through Lewistown, De Graff, Zanesfield, and Rushsylvania in a manner which will encircle the metropolis of Bellefountaine. I've cycled the area but have never ventured to the east of Bellefountaine. If I read the graphs correctly there is some serious climbing ahead of me.

Photos will be taken if they don't threaten my average speed.

Athough there should be at least two gas stations along the way for supplies, I have often wondered about this question: what is the proper manner for bumming water off of total strangers? Do you pick an unoccupied-looking house and raid the garden hose? Do you knock on the door and ask if you can borrow some water? Do you just crawl to a farm pond and get what you can?

The two times I've "borrowed" water were at little country churches. No one shot at me so I guess it was OK.

cyclinfool

I thought you were a Doc - you can afford a measly bottle of water from a local merchant

Now - as far a "borrowing" water - I doubt they would like you to "return" it.

10 Wheels

Take four bottles with you.

ahsposo 

Yeah, I'm feeling the pressure too.

I've finished most of my current projects and I'm looking at not having a thing to do until Thursday. My metric century is a done deal. Water points known and the only factor will be the weather. I haven't done a standard century in 8 years.

Maybe it's time to stretch.

The Weak Link

Only have two cages, and putting bottles in the jersey pockets sound nasty. Drinking 98 degree fluids is no too appealing, although I suppose if you were thirsty enough.....

ahsposo 

The times I've had to ask it seems the words I heard were "Oh, you poor man! Here's some water!"

What remember most clearly of my last standard century was staggering into a convenience store at about 70 miles in and buying 5 nasty plastic wrapped honey buns and a big bottle of Gatoraid and consuming those delights in very short order. A 15 minute rest and two cold bottles of Gatoraid to go and I started for home.

Learned the meaning of "pedaling squares" that day.

10 Wheels

I have run out of water twice.
Carried 6 bottles riding across Arizona last summer.

kr32

I second carrying extra bottles in your jersey. Yeah they will be warm but they will be there when you need them. I use Nuun tablets as well. What I do is carry bottled water in the jersey and drink out of the water in the bike bottle and then put a Nuun tab in the bottle and refill with the bottled.
I rode 65 miles today and this worked well along with two stops at stores for "cold" drinks!
I start off with ice in my bike bottle but that lasts all of what 15-20 minutes?
You'll be fine.

oh yeah ,I only have one cage on now.

doctor j

One of the Roadies was running low on water one time, and as we rode past a solitary house, we saw some people outside. We asked if we could fill a bottle. The woman would have no part of it. Instead, she went inside and got us a huge pitcher full of water and ice. I would say that when you begin to run low, start watching for someone outside and ask.

Unsolicited advice... I carry Gatorade powder in small plastic bags, wherein one bag = one bike bottle. When I drink water only, my electrolytes take a dive, and I start cramping. Gatorade and a Hammer Endurolyte are a good remedy. As long as I can find water, I'm good to go.

BluesDawg

I have run low on water a few times over the years. If I see someone outside of a house, I will ask for water and they have always been happy to share. If things get desperate, I will knock on a door or try a faucet at a church or even a house. I haven't been shot yet, but YMMV.

NOS88

As others do, I find someone and ask. Never had anyone refuse or get nasty. There have, however, been some real differences in the taste of water. Some places have great tasting water and others.... well, let's say it was less than great. I've learned to carry a bit of dry power mix with me on rides like this.

The Weak Link

So far the cycling gods are looking with favor upon their humble servant. The weather forecast later in the week is sunny with highs in the mid-70's. Water probably won't be a huge issue if the forecast is accurate.

kr32

Hope it all works out for you and do not let average speed keep you from taking pictures!

DnvrFox

Good luck on your journey over 62 miles/100 km.

I would suggest dehydrated water or instant water - but . . . I think only the military has the top secret formula for that stuff.

The Weak Link

Weather forecast for Friday: morning low of 50. I'm packing my leg and arm warmers

stapfam

Some of us more "Experienced" riders that have migrated to the dark side- Still have Camelbacks. Still use it on long road rides.

Few years ago- Had a puncture outside one of the country cottages in the middle of no-where. 3 of us on the ride so all stopped to repair the tyre and the owner came out. Would we like a cup of tea as he had just made a pot? Yes please but we regretted it. He may have made a pot of tea for himself and his wife- so for 3 extra he just added more water. I like my tea to be strong enough to stand the spoon up in.

chinarider

+1 on the Camelbak. I have the 100oz Classic model. Very nice to have on long solo rides. Apparently the Classic is now only available in a 70oz model. With a couple of bottles, that's still a lot of fluid. And the Camelbak does keep fluids cold longer than any bottle I've ever used, including Polar insulated bottles.

Ken Brown

Believe it or not, I have stayed overnight in Bellefontaine Ohio. It is reasonably civilized and has potable municipal water. I don't recall any mountains in the vicinity. Take your French/English dictionary, though. Just kidding about the French, and the mountains. Hope this was helpful, but I doubt it.

The Weak Link

Believe it or not, there is a ski "resort" to the southeast of Bellefountaine called Mad River Mountain. I've only been there virtually but there is about 500 feet of steady climbing along the route. It will be a change from the incessant rollers in this area.

The Weak Link

Limited Internet access so photos will have to wait, but I got my 68 miles in. Second longest ride evar. Becks makes a pretty good recovery drink, BTW.

kr32

Good job.

FL_MarkD

Sounds like a pretty route. My mother in law lives in Woodstock and has a place up on Indian Lake. Some hills and fields up that way. Let us know how the ride turns out.

Mark - stuck in hot and humid Florida :-)

The Weak Link

A couple of things about the ride:

There were no killers hills, but the highest elevation in Ohio is at Bellefountaine. I did one climb that had enough elevation that I had to pop my ears at the top. Never had to do that before.

At one stop I missed what would have been an interesting photo. A Mennonite girl was mowing a field with an enormous gas mower. It just looked weird. Besides, even in her garb I could tell she was a hottie. Taking a photo would have been callous and insensitive and, although I usually don't let that stop me, she looked so miserable I didn't want to compound her misery.

Ken Brown

Congratulations and looking forward to the photos. I used to cycle a lot in Ohio while my in-laws were alive but have not been there for about 12 years. There are a lot of quiet back roads but the climbs can be deceptively difficult and I usually finished exhausted.

The Weak Link

Started first thing in the morning from Indian Lake where I was staying. Not much boating be auss of the economy. Not much reason for Ohio to stay blue. Not hatin', just saying'.


I appreciated the long sparsely traveled roads,
although many of them had fresh chipseal, which I agree is nasty stuff.


Nothing trashes your average speed like a train. My average speed was scary high up to this point.

My favorite stop was Rushsylvania, a town so conservative I saw old ladies and pre-schoolers diving through dumpsters in search of sustanence.


By mile 50 I needed to dope, so I got some Off. I'm not recommending it, but the D-Con really seemed to perk me up.


Then I returned home, had a couple of beers, and took a nap.

That's it I guess.