It Was Just One Of Those Days…
On Saturday, I pedaled in my 3rd “Blood, Sweat & Gears“… a century ride that starts and ends in Valle Crucis, NC. The cumulative climbing elevation is 13,000+ feet, with one of the climbs up to the gap at Snake Mountain, mile point 63, reaching an 18-20% grade near the top. Here’s a look at the elevation chart:
It’s such a great ride and so well organized… the entries continue to grow. It’s usually sold out at the cap of 750 cyclists for the century and another 500 for the 50 miler sold out for the first time this year.
This shot below is at the start. The line of 1,250 cyclists winds around the corner and out of the picture.
I knew I was strong enough but I haven’t had as many long training rides leading up to it as I have in the past. So, I figured I would go into the ride relaxed, enjoy the cyclists I met along the way, bask in the awesome surroundings and check the clock when I hit the finish. I did just that. I felt good waiting for it all to begin. I met Joe, from Blowing Rock, at the start. I met Noah, from Durham and talked a while with him. I saw Amanda or “Cookie” and chatted briefly before she surged ahead (great cyclist). I saw Rob, from Durham and we cheered each other on about conquering Snake Mountain. I also met a great German (missed his name unfortunately) who was a beast who helped me survive Snake Mountain. I also talked with Dave, an Englishman from just north of Manchester, who would soon be moving out to Seattle. They were all so nice… brief encounters… but so memorable. It’s one of the main reasons I love cycling. The best part is I remember only these good people and their nice faces and nothing really associated with pain or exertion. Next thing I know, I’m within ten miles of the finish and I realize I’m on pace to finish in my best time. I surged to the finish at 6:18:25… an 8 minute improvement. It was just one of those days!
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Comments
Donald my man, STRONG ride out there! Good seeing you bro. That was a tough, epic course. I’m really glad I put a 12-27 on my bike before that ride.
ROB– You too buddy… great seeing you as well. We have to ride together one weekend. Best to you on your next race!
Donald
Congrats on such a huge ride. Sounds awesome
PS- I am also a “chatty Kathy” on the bike (it’s how I learned French).
Well done,
Will
WILL– Thank so much… guess I need to get to Europe and do my talking there as well. I’d love to learn another language while passing the miles.
GROOVER– It was fun as well. I try not to look at the profile too much before the ride. 
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8 minutes faster! Not bad at all considering you are already a strong rider. Nice work finishing a hard ride. You should reward yourself and come to Europe next year…