Well, I rode alright. If you want to call it riding. The back half of the ride was more like falling forward while pedaling the bike back underneath me. Bike worked fine. I worked stupid. I made every amateur/Cat5 mistake you can make today. Let my eagle brain overload my hummingbird a$$, and went way farther than I planned with no food and insufficient water. I've been riding for 40+ years. I don't just "know better", I've made the mistake before years ago! I know what it feels like! But .....

Naturally, (and deservedly), I dehydrated, bonked and cramped, and it took me almost all day to ride from my house to the end of the Suncoast Trail and back, (57 miles). Initially I was drinking plenty of water to stave off the bonk when I started to feel it, but that doesn't really work. Plus I then realized I was in trouble with my water supply on a 95 degree day. I was on my way back rationing water when I happened upon some kindly souls outside their home which was 50 meters or so off the trail. I asked, they provided. Ice water even. I was grateful, but I was still in trouble. I couldn't make more than 2 or 3 miles without having to stop due to bonking and cramping.

Many short breaks later I limped into Extreme Bikes, grabbed a stool, a Coke, a Hammer bar and two gels. An hour later I was starting to feel human again. Until I got back on the bike, that is!

But I managed to cruise the last 13 or so miles to home without too many breaks. The 10k-to-go banner meant nothing today, and even the flam rouge was a no go! But I *was* elated to see my house!

Lesson learned. Again. 57 miles, a good 30 of them in the house of pain.

P.S. Ron - You didn't have to post a pic of the Lawless Road sign. I would have believed you!