Hey Jet - yes indeed, it was truly tragic that we didn't hook up. And on your birthday no less! What a way to celebrate!

My ride was great. My wife did the 1/2 metric, I opted for the metric. After 30 miles in, I was considering jumping onto the century as at my first stop (the 2nd rest stop with the tipped Porta-Potty) my average speed was around 20. I knew hills were coming up but I felt pretty good at that point. A few miles later it started raining and I hit Mt. Vesuvius.

I just did some calculation - Mt. Vesuvius seems to be about 4 miles with an average grade of 8.6. There is one spot where the grade was 17.5. Man, that was one kick-butt hill. I've done one steeper (8.8 grade) but it was only 2 miles. This hill got my attention, don't think I've every struggled as much for as long. I've been thinking about a compact crank, that would have helped. I rode it with a 53/39 - 12/25, better gearing would have helped. Next year I will be prepared!

After Vesuvius I considered jumping on the the Century route again but decided my legs probably would asplode so I went back on the metric route. The last 20 miles of this route are on the Blue Ridge Parkway - beautiful scenery though it was rainy most of the way. The whole trip back was solo, except for a tandem that I saw in the distance, I didn't run into any other riders. What a nice ride that was, 20 miles of 4-8% uphills and downhills. That last descent from Humpback Rocks (I think it was called) was fantastic - speeds up to 45 mph with rain stinging your face, what a great feeling.

I finished the ride a bit after 12, despite my struggle up Vesuvius, I was happy with my speed (ave. 15.8) over 6,400 feet of climbing. Like Jet said, the century had an additional climb that was rated a Cat 1, glad I skipped that. But next year I'm hoping to flatten it.

All in all a great day of riding. I haven't done a ton of organized rides like this but I have to say it was incredibly well organized, had great food (fresh, locally grown peaches at a rest stop!) and best of all, the Inn at Afton (where the ride began and ended) offered free showers. Outstanding. This is one I'll try again - hopefully with even better results as we continue to mature!

By the way Jet, thanks for the food suggestions, Staunton is a great place.