The Tour de Palm Springs in 2004. I wanted to get an early start, so I was in the second group they let go. My adreline was pumping, so I rode faster than I should have. By mile 60 I was starting to run out of steam. It got better by mile 75 and I was barely able to make it to the finish line. The tank was empty, but I did it! 104 miles! Woo Hoo!

I learned that I need to pace myself at the beginning of a century so that I can have something for the finish. Also learned to coast whenever possible. A little stretching at the rest stops helps, too.