HOTTER THAN HELL HUNDRED

BIKE: Roadie

DATE: 23 August 2014

ROUTE: HOTTER THAN HELL HUNDRED -> 25 miles

TEMP: 83*F

WIND: 15-20mph S

TRIP: 25.08 miles

AVERAGE CADENCE: 64

START TIME: 07:40hrs

END TIME: 09:45hrs

TRIP TIME: 1:47:10

OFFICIAL TOTAL TIME: 1:56:09.0 GOAL: to finish the route at HHH

OF NOTE: winds were constant and very strong from the south. winds never let up. hoping to see David B. but was unable to locate him.

tho the temps were in the low 80s when i started the ride, they were climbing steady and fast. by the time i finished the ride, the temps were in the 90s. but the temperature wasn't the big factor. it was the 20 mile an hour winds that did not let up. even as we rode to the start lines for the various distances, the winds were already steady and getting stronger. by the time we started the race the announcement came over the speakers that the winds were 20mph. so i knew the heat wasn't gonna be the main problem or factor. the winds were the real factor here. the heat we were prepared for cuz that's how Ken and i trained. even with the winds here at home, it was a challenge. they were not light and breezy. the winds were strong and steady blowing the bikes sideways in the crosswinds. i truly believe that helped me ride as well as i did.

the highlight of the ride for me was Shepherd's Air Force base. riding thru that base, i was thankful for each man and women who have served America in the military. they do so much for so little. sometimes a THANK U just doesn't seem like enough. as i turned on to the area where they had the planes out and a few men and women in full dress as well as battle gear, i looked at the planes and remembered. in my heart i cried but a nice gal offered to take pics with her cell phone for me and gave me 3. i chose the plane they bring them home in. i chose that one cuz i want all our fighting men and women to come home. after giving her my email, i once again mounted Roadie and took off. a group of soldiers dressed in undershirts and shorts were loud and boisterous as they cheered the riders on. but all i could of was i should be the one cheering y'all on. our military men and women give so much of their lives to serve and fight for my freedom. and they leave family, friends, loved ones behind as they respond to the call of duty. it must be difficult even for those that have done it all their adult lives. i was one of the many riders who thanked them as i rode thru the base. and then exiting the base, i prayed they would all be safe and come home. i also prayed they would have strength for the journey before them.

the ride was really uneventful for me except for 2 chain derailments that happened after the base. the first happened 2 miles after going over some very rough railroad tracks. and the second happened just 2 miles from finish which caused me to loose about 5-7 min on finish time. but i did make the official time under my 2 hr goal by 4 min. total time was 5 min over.

can't wait to go back next year. in 2015, i pedal the 50 mile route or the 100K route. 8)

until next ride... keep pedaling strong and steady... 8)