Sunday, October 15, 2017

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!



69 comments:

  1. Congrats on your ride! I love the first pic and the stops seemed really cool. I like that everything was themed. Makes it fun!

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    1. They've held this ride for a long time and have got it all down to a science. The stops were really fun.

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  2. You are a beast! Having said that, I'd like to become one too. We may need to discuss this for next year. Along with the waterskiing.

    I think Elvis used some sort of rusty nuts enhancement. Just sayin.

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    1. Now there's an idea. Could we do both in one weekend? EEK. I do think you'd enjoy a Century Ride. It's quite satisfying. Yes indeed on Elvis and his RNE.

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  3. How much fun does that ride look?! I love all the costumes and signs how great. BTW how bad ass are you to just jump right into another century ride. Nice job! Thanks for the link up as always

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    1. I recovered relatively easy and quickly from the first one. So, in true HoHo fashion -- I thought, why not? LOL.

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  4. Another century! Hot damn! Love those cookies! We posed with Elvis after he presided over us renewing our vows in Vegas :-D

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    1. What that's certainly an event worthy of posing with Elvis. This was the older version of Elvis. Why doesn't anyone ever appear as the younger version?

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  5. Way to go on completing your 2nd Century ride! You are fierce!

    Thanks for the link-up!

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    1. Or some would say crazy. There's a lot of debate around here about that. LOL.

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  6. Wow, so impressive! Thats quite an accomplishment especially to ride alone this time. Congrats!!

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    1. It was very challenging to ride alone. Not taking anything away from this wonderful even, having Teresa with me was more enjoyable. It helps to have someone by your side riding a similar speed.

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  7. I like that the stops had themes. Great job on the ride!

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    1. I'm so grateful for the people who volunteered for hours and hours to give us riders the extra fun factor.

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  8. This ride looks awesome- you can't beat rest stops with costumes (especially so close to Halloween) and cookies that are decorated like bikes. I'm glad you had a fun time and hope the weather will cool off soon there- where is Fall?!?!?!

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    1. From reading information about the ride, I expected the fun, themed rest stops. What I didn't expect was having an awesome band at mile 36. I seriously didn't want to leave!

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  9. You make it sound *mostly* cool (despite the heat), although of course I don't bike so I guess I'll never know. It's good to know that bike volunteers are as nice as running volunteers! Congrats on another century (how often do you get to say that?).

    I've never taken a photo with Elvis, but I do fondly remember the Elvi during RnR Vegas.

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    1. You get to say that as often as I get to say "Only 30 miles left". LOL. The rest stops are fun but obviously there is a lot of hard work in between. Let me just say, they are beautiful oasis when they appear!

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  10. That is such a cool then! I love that you got to take photos with Elvis. And those bicycle cookies look delicious. How fun!!

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    1. They definitely go all out to entertain you during this event!

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  11. What a fun event! I love that the volunteers were dressed up :)

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    1. The volunteers went above and beyond at this event. It was hot too which makes a costume very uncomfortable.

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  12. Wow. Just WOW! Look at you knocking out these centuries! Love the themes of all the rest stops. So fun. Congrats girlfriend!

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    1. I think it would be fun to do a group century ride/girls weekend. Interested?

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  13. Wow! Another Century ride! You are a rockstar! As many times I have been to Vegas I never got a pic with Elvis nor have I at any races I attended. Those cookies are almost too cute to eat...almost right?

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    1. I thought it was kind of random to find Elvis on the rural back roads of Alabama. So that's where he has been hiding! LOL.

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  14. How did I miss this little detail of your doing this ride? I had no idea until after the fact...(another late-to-the-party arrival...I'm really good at those LOL). Gosh, you are a biking beast!!

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    1. Ha! There was no little detail, really. Just a last minute decision.

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  15. Wow! Congrats on another century ride! You are awesome!

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  16. Wow! I'm amazed you were up for another century ride already- so impressive! Those bike cookies are adorable... it makes such a difference to have support along a course.

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    1. I have a weakness for frosted shortbread cookies. I couldn't pass these up!

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  17. You are amazing, Holly! You're inspiring me to consider taking up cycling!! So many congrats. So happy for you!

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    1. Cycling is fun and there is so much less wear and tear on the body. You should consider it!

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  18. Congrats on another century ride! That's so awesome and this one looked so fun!

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    1. This one was a very popular event. I can see why!

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  19. Funny you should ask the question... I celebrated with a big ass piece of cake and coffee for breakfast, haha. Love your Elvis pic :)

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    1. I saw that piece of cake! I wish your Mom would make me one! LOL.

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  20. DANG, you continue to impress me with these century rides, Holly!

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    1. There is no way I could go the distance without getting off at the rest stops. And, it makes it fun too.

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  21. You are badass . TWO 100 mil bike rides!!!

    I love the music themes at each rest stop.

    I celebrate with ice cream usually.

    Will I see you in Vegas??

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    1. As much as I'd love to go to Vegas, I'm afraid I'm too far behind on my mileage. I'd hate to do something stupid and cause another issue.

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  22. Those bike cookies are very appealing so I wouldn't even try to resist.
    Kudos on all our accomplishments. You continue to inspire me.

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    1. Thanks. I enjoy riding and it is much easier on my aging body that running.

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  23. Those stops look so cute! How awesome that they were themed! I like to celebrate with a nice big delicious meal, a shower and a nap!

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    1. I'm usually too keyed up for a nap after a big event. That would be nice though!

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  24. That Lionel Richie sign is cracking me up! It's too funny! I love that you just signed up for this on a whim. That's too cool -- what better way to fill your time?!

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    1. I sang that song for daayyyssss after seeing that sign. I do most things on a whim, unfortunately. LOL.

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  25. I saw your IG pic and thought, Huh? ANOTHER Century Ride?! You are so impressive! There has to be a Century Ride Maniacs group you qualify for! Congrats!

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    1. Actually, there is a whole series of 13 (?) Century Rides around here. If you do multiple events, you get special awards. Hmmmm....

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  26. Congrats! Those themed stops look like fun.

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    1. Thanks. They definitely break up the monotony of a long ride.

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  27. Wow! Congrats on another century ride! Sounds like a fun time with all the stops and entertainment along the way! Great job!!

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    1. I'm glad I went ahead and did this one. It was much different from the first one -- much more entertaining!

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  28. Oh this one does sound like fun! Imagine all the singing we could've done together with all of those rest stops as inspiration for songs! Next year we're doing this one together! Congratulations on another century under your belt! I'm super proud of you!

    And yes, I've got a picture of Elvis and myself after crossing the finish line at the St. Jude's half marathon many years ago! :)

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    1. Yes, mark your calendar for next year. We should have stuck to our original plan -- but that's OK. We created our own fun on the first attempt! And, this one was still very toasty.

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  29. Dang all these themed stops do sound fun! I love the bike cookies! I hope they are as good as they were cute, but Elvis did take the cake! Congratulations to another Bada$$ level !

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    1. We need to get you on a bike. How fun would a girls weekend / Century Ride be?

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  30. Way to go, HoHo (rhymes better than Holly). I loved reading your recap since I have a century ride on my bucket list for next summer.

    I have a picture of Bill, our son Daniel, and me with Elvis that was taken after the VA Beach Rock 'N' Roll Half a few years ago.

    Thanks for the linkup!

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    1. You'll enjoy the Century distance! It's not the scary animal it sounds to be. Getting off and resting at the stops makes all the difference in the world!

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  31. Ah, I just love the Lionel Richie stop! So great :)

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    1. He had some really good songs back in the day!

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  32. Way to go Holly with another Century Ride! It looks like it was a lot of fun!

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    1. This event was really enjoyable. The only downside was that I rode this one alone. There was a lot of digging deep to go the distance.

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  33. "I didn't have plans for Saturday..." haha Great job on another century and so soon after the other! That elevation looks crazy. Sounds like a really well-run race with the mechanical support at the fun aid stations. After a big race I usually celebrating by eating a meal out with my husband, then laying around. ;)

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    1. I had a bit of a potty mouth when I'd come around a curve and get a glimpse of the next huge hill. LOL. They seemed never ending.

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  34. Oh wow. Congrats on finishing the century ride!! How on earth can you eat so much while riding?? Are there certain foods you can or can't tolerate? How is your rest end not killing you from riding so long? Is it obvious I'm not a bike rider,? Lol!! Anyways sounds like a very well set up for the event. If your going to torture yourself with 100+ miles of riding, why not make a party out of it!!

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    1. Eating while riding isn't hard. Eating while being hot was the difficult part. But, you just have to else you can't finish. They seem to serve a lot of sweets when I'd really rather have a salty snack. Regardless, it was fun.

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  35. If you can ride 30, you can ride 100. It's amazing how getting off and resting for a few minutes makes all the difference in the world!

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