Sunday Afternoon Ride

We were headed to Boiling Springs NC to visit some friends who are moving to India for 2 years. I figured I would make a training ride out of it.

I hit the road at 11:30 am. With overcast skies and cool air, I wore arm warmers, short sleeve shirt, and shorts. I had a vest in my jersey pocket, along with some food, repair kit, and telephone. I rode out of the neighborhood to the Blue Ridge Parkway. North on the Pkwy, East on 74-A. I pretty much stayed on 74-A the entire way. Riding the 4 lane out through Fairview, up the winding switchbacks to the Continental Divide. I put my vest on at the top for the long descent into Lake Lure.

Down, down, down some more. Following the winding Rocky Broad river, nodding to some kayakers getting ready to paddle. I remembered back to a couple of years ago, when I was on that river myself. After walking most of the big rapids, the ones that would keep you there for a long time, if you messed up, I was tired and ready to get off the river. My nose clips broke, and I took that as a sign to get off. So, I got out of my boat and into our support vehicle.

After riding to the bottom of the valley, the road continues to wrap around Lake Lure until reaching the Broad River on the other side. 74-A continues to follow the river until shortly before Rutherfordton ( pronounced Ruffton). It was in the town of Ruth, between Ruffton and Forest City that I got in touch with Mike. Reception was bad, so I kept riding. On Main St Forest City, we made contact again. He was 10 minutes up the road. He and Alan Weddencamp had ridden from Shelby to meet me. I am very glad they did, as it broke up the monotony of riding alone, and I was able to take the scenic route while enjoying good conversation.

We wound around on some country roads, riding through Ellenboro and Lattimore. We stopped at City Hall in Lattimore to make use of their spigot, filling up our water bottles. I decided to go ahead and escort Mike back to his house, it was still to early to show up at our friend's house. After leaving Mike, I continued to ride. I was feeling a little tired, but still strong. I found my way out towards Boiling Springs, still taking scenic detours, trying to get in a couple more miles.

When I finally made my way to Grant and Charlene's house, I had to ride past their house for 2/10ths of a mile. There was no way I was going to stop with only 99.8 miles.

100 miles in just under 6 hrs, 5500 ft of climbing, my first sub 6 hr century.

I will take the next couple of days off of the bike to recover, then do some easy rides. Over the next week in preparation for Cohutta. I feel strong and ready, I've got my nutrition plan ready, I feel like I am in touch with my body and it's needs, and most importantly, I'm going into this planning on having fun!!!

Have a great day.