Got back on my bike 13 months ago after being off it for 15 years. Started losing weight and riding longer and longer. This Spring I set my sights on this century and worked hard to get ready. I had gotten up to 100 to 120 miles per week---with 40 to 70 miles on Saturdays. This morning was a perfect day. Sunny and about 55 degrees. I rode with two other 50 plus guys---each on their first century as well. It was more hilly than I anticipated but we finished in about 6 hours and 30 minutes total time which included stopping at some well stocked rest stops and we averaged 17+ mph for the day cycling time. That pace began to wear me down around 75-80 miles but I seemed to get a bit of a boost around 90 miles. I was plenty tired and the hour drive home was a little tough---but after a shower---some Aleve---and a couple of football games on the tube---I am feeling better. I certainly won't need to be rocked to sleep tonight though.

It feels so good to be able to set a goal like that and then achieve it. I may ride this same century next year---but I'm not in a hurry to do another right away. Maybe I'll feel different after a good night's sleep.