This was my first organized ride in 10 years. Since returning to the road last August I had planned to do this ride because: a) It offered a plethora of distances, from 14 to 105; b) Was put on by the Austin Cycling Association (to which I belong); and c) It was early enough in the year that there was a good chance the weather would be ideal. So...at 8:00 am, me and a few more than 1000 riders hit the backroads of Central Texas. The starting temperature was in the low 70's and it was around 85 when I finished.

I had signed up to ride 61 miles (with an extra mile thrown in for my first metric century) but at the turn-around I felt good enough that I continued on to the next distance, 78 miles. I'm glad I did for two reasons: 1) The extra loop provided some of the most intersting road conditions including two low-water crossings (complete with 1" of water); 2) A section of the course with three portions of un-paved road, each about 200 yards long. Additionally, I ended up meeting and riding with a very nice woman that might have been as much as 10 years my senior (putting her in her late 50's) and we yakked it up for almost 40 miles together. I learned that she averages 150 - 200 miles per week and was hit by a pick-up truck last year during one of her rides. She had done the MS150 the previous year, averaging 19 mph riding in a paceline the whole way.

So...the stats...79.6 miles in a leisurly 5 hours 34 minutes for an average speed of 14.3 (30.9 mph max). My average heart rate was 146 with a max of 172. The course was mostly rolling hills with a few short, steep sections. There are a lot of ranches in the area and therefore a large number of very large pick-up trucks. They were all very courteous and would sometimes even wave after passing us. Ranch entrances often have the ranch name posted over the entrance...my favorite name was "The Open Bar Ranch" which looked like a legitimate working ranch...not just a joke.

Prior to this ride, my longest distance had been 42 miles (3 weeks ago) so I went out very conservatively, watching my HRM and keeping my heart rate under 85% of max. This was a great strategy as I still had something left in the tank and probably could have ridden further...except for my butt and my feet!

Rest stops were well staffed, placed approximately every 7 miles and offered a wide variety of snacks, from bananas, oranges and pickles to Clif Bars, Chex Snack Mix and Oreos. There were big coolers of water and Powerade. The course was well marked and support included mobile mechanics, EMT and Sag.

I had a great time...and of course, I forgot my camera.

Nice report, the 105 was hell. I couldn't believe how nice the local folks were though, always gave plenty of room when passing, except for one bozo kid. Great support though, you're right.

What was hell was it was really 108.4 miles, those lying bastar-s . The century + ended up with right at 5200 ft of climbing. Not bad for the hill country. My vote for the best rest stop was the one with ICE COLD Towels. I thought I was going to go into shock when I put it on the back of my neck. The rest stops were all very good except the one at Burnett. When we got there they were out of Gatorade and the food was a little lite but they were nice people for being out there so I gotta give them an A for showing their support.
It was a little tough having the steepest climbs at the 90 mile mark(for the 108ers) but overall it was very well run. I saw number 1376 on one guy so I guess there were at least that many riders.
P.S. When the Rip-Roarin comes up in September it is almost the excact same route. It is excellent also.

It should have dawned on me that when I hit 40 mph going down a hill at about mile 15, I was going to have to go back up it with 15 miles left in the ride. I hope the person who crashed at the bottom is okay.
BTW: I registered 5 minutes before the start and was number 400, so I don't think the numbers meant anything.

I think it was the second rest stop on the way out that had a cooler of Powerade that must have been made about quaduple strength. It was like syrup (and VERY red). Fortunately I had cut it with water but someone at the third rest stop commented and everyone agreed that something was funky with that batch. For the rest of the stops all the Powerade was really watery.

I ran into a couple that evening at The County Line, replenishing themselves on ribs, and they mentioned the iced towels on the 105 mile route. ALMOST made it sound worth it.

I came from Ft. Worth to do the 61 miler. My wife did the 50. It certainly was hitting hitting just over 50mph on that first screaming descent. I admit, shamefully, to being to pooped to ride back up it at the end. The ride and scenery were fantastic, but the quality of some of the roads, as mentioned, were tooth rattling.

Some of y'all may have noticed me on my screaming yellow recumbent. Overall I had a great time and will be back.

I think I remember you...there were a few 'bents but not many.

I thought I was going to lose a few fillings on several sections...even with my steel bike and carbon fork! It was almost ecstasy hitting Bagdad Road for the final leg...it was so smooooooooth in comparison to all the miles of chip-seal!

I have ridden most of those roads this year so I was at least prepared for the rough stuff. The low water crossing's were dangerous though. Cant understand why they couldnt add a different road to avoid them.