Horsey Hundred Ride Report

The official start time was 8:00am but people had been departing at least as early as 7:00am, hoping to make it through their routes prior to the arrival of storms.  2600 people had registered for the event but approximately 1000 of those did not participate due to a forecast that just a day earlier had indicated a 90% chance of rain. Our group made it through the 100 mile route rain free although the humidity made it seem like we received a good soaking.

And so we are off, Corvair, Mike Wrey, Cindy B, Mark & Karen Rossi, Mitch, Larry & Lisa and Norm.  At mile 2, cyclists were streaming through a red light so I followed but the balance of my group stopped.  I had hoped to get in with a large group but it was always just singles or doubles that came by but THEN......

.....two women came by pulling a group of guys and so I jumped in.  For 6 miles the women stayed at the front hammering and said they planned to do the route in 5 hours.  I was tempted to stay but the Ohio group had agreed to pause at a refueling point at mile 26 and so I stopped there but not for long as they soon coasted in and we....

...refueled.  Soon thereafter, as I urged them not to linger, we got back onto the....

....road.  The scenery in the first half of the route is ok but much improved in the second half.  I kept expecting to hit a monster climb but never did.  There are a couple of Cat 4 climbs on the route but they are long and not too steep.  However, the hundreds of small hills do take their toll as you gain 5500' during the 100 miles.

OK, I could have done without the lengthy detour into Frankfort with way too much time spent on a bike path.  This diversion cut 2mph from my average. The grounds of the State House are beautiful but still, I'd prefer to bypass and stay on country roads.  Soon thereafter we stopped for lunch at mile 50.  There are 7 refueling stops but we agreed prior to the ride we would visit only 3.  The stops were well stocked and would satisfy even the most picky eaters.

Can't beat giant fans that spread a cooling mist to those standing in front.

Pickle juice?  Yes, to help prevent cramping and there was also chicken broth for I suppose the sodium content.

At mile 75, we stopped to pick up our official badge, proving that we had ridden the century route.  The stop was within sight of this magnificent castle structure and so the volunteers were dressed in medieval clothing including....

...this woman with whom you could have your picture taken.  We got back onto the route and while we had hit our 3 intended stops....

...at mile 90 they serve root beer and orange floats so....  Above, Eva parks her bike prior to attacking the stand where the floats are prepared.  I'm not a fan of floats but at that point, in that humidity and heat, I enjoyed it.  We completed the final 10 miles and....

...came across the finish line where reactions ranged from joy to pained relief.  Lisa A on the right, Cindy B, Corvair and Eva.  Good time and I'll be back next year, weather permitting.  My average speed was 16.9 but that Frankfort detour as I said, really hit the average.  Moving time was 5:54 but we spent 90 minutes at the refueling stops, some of that refueling but a lot of it just trying to herd everyone together, which is ok, it's that type of event, not a race.