Avg speed = 20.5 mph. Total mileage = 99.3 mi
Avg heartrate = 142 bpm
Total elevation gain = 2210'
Saturday, April 20, 2013
2013 BP MS150 Bike Ride Day 1
Ann and Kathy took me over to Tully Stadium, where the start of the MS 150 century route was. It was cold at the start, cold enough to need my jacket and full-fingered gloves. I got my bike together and broke off a valve on my front tire when I tried to unscrew the cap. So I had to replace the tube, which got me frustrated. Everything else went smoothly. There were a lot of riders at this particular starting point, but not an enormous number. I'd be curious to know what fraction of the riders took the two longest routes. After some starting festivities, we were off, beginning at a modest pace as everybody spread out on the initial part of the ride. Going through the area behind Addicks Dam on Eldridge, it got pretty cold, and my fingers and toes were numb. Things eventually warmed up, and the weather was ideal for much of the ride. I hooked onto a pace line fairly early, led by some Team Toyota riders, and we made really good time. Eventually, I couldn't keep up with them without wearing out too soon, so I dropped off and rode solo. I skipped the first rest stop and stopped at the second, to take my jacket off, switch my gloves, and use the bathroom. I had some food and was feeling pretty good. I rode with some others over the course of the next 30 miles, and this first section was almost completely flat. I think I was averaging over 22 mph at the 60 mile mark, where I stopped for a break. Here is where I put on more sunscreen and took a bathroom break. The last 40 miles were more rolling, which slowed me down somewhat. It didn't compare to anything in San Diego. I was feeling the effects of the ride toward the end, so that it slowed me down, particularly on the little uphill sections. Turning onto the last road into LaGrange, I was ready to be done. It wasn't too far to the entrance to the Fairgrounds, and it was really cool to have people cheering me on at the end. I arrived a little after noon. I was the second rider into the HP tent, and they were really wonderful, helping me with my bike and providing all kinds of food and drinks to re-energize. I rested up a little, had a shower, then ate lunch and walked around the site. Most of the action was taking place in the tents, not so much going on otherwise. I drank a couple of beers throughout the day, had dinner, and saw a little bit of a Christian praise music concert. Throughout the afternoon and evening, I massaged my legs and stretched, and I think it helped me on the second day. I was ready to lie down by 8:00 but waited until 9:00 to get into my sleeping bag. Slept pretty well, although it got chilly in the tent.
