Glassner Autumn Challenge (WW # 115)

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Glassner Autumn Challenge

October 14, 2017

I signed up late and the T-shirt was no longer free!
I didn't buy it, but did receive free socks.

I didn't have plans for Saturday and it was shaping up to be a beautiful day, although hot. {Nothing new!}  Hmm...what to do?  Another Century Ride!  The nice thing about these is you can change your mind about the distance while out on the course.  If you don't feel well, if it's too hot, if it's too hilly -- you can follow the markings for one of the shorter courses instead.  It's a built in escape to the finish line.

Waiting on the ride to start and the humidity to burn off.

The Glassner Autumn Challenge was a much larger event than the DAM Century Ride a few weeks ago.  Accordingly, cyclists started in waves of 20.  I am not a fast rider and seeded myself well behind the mid packers.  The announcer reminded us that these rides are not races.  The goal is to simply have fun and enjoy the ride.  My start time was around 8:20 and it was already 75 degrees and humid.

Rest Stop # 1 -- Wizard of Oz (4.2)

It was too soon for a rest stop, so I waved and rode past.  The volunteers enthusiastically cheered for passing riders.  The stop was most likely meant for shorter distance riders that started behind us.  The traffic was surprisingly very light and it was still coolish, but I was having trouble keeping my heart rate low.  Excitement, perhaps?

Rest Stop # 2 -- Halloween Town Café (9.2)

Again, this felt early for a stop but the name piqued my curiosity.  I stopped to top off my water bottle and ate a few grapes.  I was disappointed there were no Halloween costumes and therefore nothing picture worthy.  The bike rack began to topple over {ghosts?} so I grabbed my bike and was on my way.

Rest Stop # 3 -- Old School Cool (16.5)

Now we're talking!  This rest stop was jammed with people riding all distances.  The sweet lady in the Poodle Skirt was the star of this show and happily obliged anyone wanting a picture.  I couldn't pass on the frosted bike cookies and also ate half a banana.  Here, I remembered to take a Salt Capsule and continued this plan at every remaining stop. 

How could I resist one of these?

I think Elvis was unimpressed with sweaty cyclists!

Rest Stop # 4 -- 50s and 60s Sock Hop (36.1)

The miles between stops 3 and 4 weren't overly hot due to ominous cloud cover. This stop was hoppin' and the tunes were rockin'.  Elvis was there!  I drank pickle juice to counter the cramps that had started and ate a half PB&J among other bites.  I could have stayed and listened to the Rusty Nuts Band all day. But, I put my phone in a Ziploc bag in case of rain, turned on some music, and hopped back on Sanity. Since riders had thinned considerably, I had been riding alone at times.  I thought music would help. Also, I was exhausted from singing the same song for 36 miles {Oh, What A Beautiful Morning...} and I missed my singing partner. 

This band was awesome!

Rest Stop # 5 -- Hawaiian Paradise (54.4)

Lunchtime!  The miles between stops 4 and 5 were brutal with the sun finally making its unrelenting appearance.  During this segment, I decided I would continue with the full distance although some of the worst hills had begun.  I had no appetite, but they were grilling hot dogs and I managed to eat most of one after first drinking more pickle juice.  It was nice to see a volunteer I knew from our running club.  Although unnecessary, I visited the restroom.  I took my irritating ankle wrap off, which I had worn to support a cranky tendon.  I rested the longest here.  I was just so flippin' HOT.  

Thanks to you Candace and all the volunteers!

Rest Stop # 6 -- 70s Groove (73.3)

I don't remember much at this stop except being relieved I was getting close to the end.  I was amused at how having only 30 miles to go felt short enough to use the word "only".  I drank a Mountain Dew {best thing ever!} and ate...something.  No pictures, but I remember they were playing 70s tunes.  I felt a little delirious.  

Rest Stop # 7 -- Totally Awesome 80s (89.7)

So, so hot.  So, so tired.  I ate very little...I believe a mini bag of pretzels.  I drank more pickle juice and a few sips of Dr. Pepper.  I wanted to just be done and got back on Sanity relatively quickly.  I appreciated the nod to Lionel Richie who grew up not too far away.

Elevation chart before my Garmin's death in mile 92.
Official race elevation gain reported at 3,994.

The final miles seemed shadier and thus easier.  And just like that, it was over -- 104.9 miles recorded on my computer.  Surprisingly, I was handed two medals; one for completing any distance and one for being a Centurion.  Mentally, miles 40-70 were again the hardest.  Time does not seem to exist.  A lot of soul searching went on, including many shoveled piles of digging deep.   Those hills just kept coming!

The rest stops were located at various churches and the volunteers couldn't have been any nicer; filling our bottles, providing cooling towels, making sure riders were taken care of, and supplying welcoming doses of fun and entertainment.  There were plenty of food options and they served a full meal both before and after the ride.  I indulged in pre-race cheese grits and mini muffin.  There was mechanical support at each stop and plenty on course as well.  It was truly a first class event.  The traffic stayed light and the course was entirely on back roads and rurally [<< my new word] very scenic.  

Many thanks to my gal pals who sent messages throughout the day.  Since I was riding alone, it was nice to get to the rest stops and see their encouraging words.  Finally, a big ol' thanks to PoPo who obliged my request to celebrate at our local Mexican hangout that evening, even though the football game was on.  {You're the bestest!}

How do you celebrate after a long, hard event?

Have you taken a picture with Elvis?  If so, where?

And that's a wrap!





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