RAIN (Ride Across INdiana) Bike Ride Event 160 miles (Pics Included)

Thanks for the kind words Joe.  We had a really good time.  I happy that I/we can share our event with everyone.  It's so cool and wonderful what life post-op can offer if we choose to take it.

Duane

 

I can't elaborate much on Duane's report, but there are a couple of anecdotes i can add.  It was truly a great event, thanks Duane for inspiring me to do it.  Duane and Alisica were great (and friend Linda), i couldn't have done it without their support.

The day was definitely hot and humid, i would describe the course generally as flat-ish, there were no real climbs, but there were plenty of rollers.  i looked the course up on mapmyride and it shows a little over 2,000 ft of elevation gain over the 160 miles, which indicates a fairly flat day.  however, after 120 miles or so, a speed bump looks like mt. everest.  the last big hill that duane powered up nearly destroyed me mentally when i saw it, the problem was you could see the thing looming in the distance for miles just taunting you LOL.

the only two issues (if you could call it that) was a hydration issue around 120 miles in and the fact that after the first stop @ 40 miles you couldn't find a pace-line, any time you tried to form one up, it would disintegrate after a couple of minutes.  so most of the day was done without the help of drafting.  the hydration drama was my own fault, i skipped an unofficial stop at a c-store about 20 miles before the last official stop, well i depleted my camelback (about 85 oz), and two 20 oz bottles with about 15 miles to go before the stop (yes, it was that hot and i didn't go to the bathroom for hours!).  i was getting so desperate i was actually speeding up to get there faster, and was seriously thinking about knocking on random house doors to beg for water.  with about 6 miles to go before the stop angels appeared in the form of a gas station, i practically dove into the cooler and chugged about 30 oz of poweraide :)  it was dicey for a half hour or so, but i got through the drama and finished up strong. 

i'm not sure how long it took me in the saddle or what my average pace was as i forgot to stop my garmin at two of the stops and it screwed up my data.  looking at my splits, i would have me averaging close to 20 MPH, probably a bit lower for the day, total time was around 9 hours and 45 minutes.  again, it was a great event.  these types of events really allow you to answer some serious questions about yourself in your effort.

i'm taking a 2nd rest day today, my legs are still sore, and i'm still dragging energy-wise.

Congratulations guys, it sounds like a great day.
That is a pretty cool event.  Heat and humidity is a killer.

Great job and thanks for sharing the report.
I really enjoy the group rides, it's a little change of pace from the put your head down and ride for 4 hours by yourself training rides. 

Scott

Thanks Scott.  The group thing is nice for a change.  I enjoy riding with the bike club when I get the chance.

Duane

Congratulations Bill and Duane!

That's a long time in the saddle, even with the breaks!  But, what an amazing experience to cross the state on a bicycle in one day.   That's certainly one of those things that most people don't even imagine, let alone accomplish.

As I read about everyone's adventures, I'm continually amazed by everything that we've accomplished in part because of the camraderie and support we receive on this board.  A walk turns into a walk/run.  We start dreaming of that first 5K and once we cross the finish line, we're hooked.

Biking, swimming, running, etc., is no longer just exercise.   They've become our source of entertainment and friendship.  What a life!

Cassie