Four Days of Insanity. Part 4: NCAC Day 4 (May 20, 2012)

FOUR DAYS OF INSANITY

From May 17 to 20, 2012, I rode 450+ miles in 4 days.  I rode in the NorCal Aids Cycle (NCAC) as well as the Davis Double Century.  The recap of my four day adventure will be done in four parts, one part of each day of craziness.  This is part 4...the last day of my crazy adventure...returning to NCAC and riding to the finish at the Capitol in Sacramento, CA.  


PART 4: DAY 4 OF INSANITY:  RETURNING HOME TO SACRAMENTO!


In the wee hours of the morning, I wake up and drag my sore body out of bed.  Since the Davis Double took longer than planned, I opted to not return to the NCAC camp after I had finished as most would be sleeping by the time I got there.

After dragging myself up, Craig drives me and my bike to Woodland.  He drops me off in front of the school.  I wander into the cafeteria and quietly place my bike in the corner. I see some folks are eating breakfast and I wander by trying to find Bronwyn to tell her I am back.  As I walk through, a group of my new NCAC friends spot me.  One says "we were just wondering about you."  Then, a person or two starts clapping and then, more people until the whole room applauds me for doing the double.  I just wanted to quietly return back to camp but so much for making a quiet entrance.  But, it is very touching. And, what a wonderful welcome back!

Tweet:  "got a super warm welcome back from my fellow NCAC'ers!  such great peeps!"

I wander out to the back to look for my duffle bag in order to get my NCAC jersey to wear.  We all are wearing our NCAC jerseys today.  It is quite the sight to see, everyone wearing the same jerseys today.  I remember on the first day, there were various riders wearing their team jerseys and others, like myself, who were not part of a team, wearing their own jerseys.  But, here we are on the last day wearing the same jerseys.  We all match and are no longer different teams or individuals, but one team.

After putting on my jersey,  I rejoin everyone in the cafeteria and grab some breakfast.  We chit chat a bit.  I tell them about some of my adventures in the Davis Double.  They share about some of the happenings while I was away.  Though, the most amusing happening I had missed out on was that in the middle of the night, around 3 a.m., the sprinklers had gone off at camp and everyone was woken up to move their tents.  Some riders told me how they were moments on the ride where they were feeling kind of bad/tired/etc but they thought of me riding 200 miles and that motivated them to keep going.  Funny thing is that while I was out there yesterday feeling bad/tired/etc, I was thinking of how I did not want to disappoint all of them by failing out there.

Then, as it nears 7 a.m., we all get our bikes and get ready to roll out on our final day of our journey!  Again, I am moved seeing all of us together wearing the same jerseys.  It is quite the sight, seeing all of us matching. For many, we all started off as strangers, coming together for a common cause.  But here, on day 4, we are now friends and perhaps even more passionate about why we are here.

Tweet: "getting ready to roll!  day 4 of NCAC!  riding from woodland to the Capitol sporting our NCAC jerseys!"

We roll out and I hang at the very back of the pack.  I am going easy peasy today.  As soon as I begin to pedal, my knees and my bottom ache in pain.  My body tells me, you really are going to make me ride this darn bike again?!  I tell it, it's just 50 miles today and we will go easy.  And, easy, slow and pokey pace is about all I can handle at this time.

I then realize my gloves are missing.  I thought I had them this morning.  They are not in my jersey pocket or my handlebar bag.  Did I leave them at home?  I have a vague memory of putting one on.  Then, I remember setting them down earlier, on the moving truck so I could put on my jersey.  I guess I can ride the day bare handed.  Not ideal as my hands are a little tender from the three prior days of riding.

I hang at the very back of the pack and ride along out onto the country roads.  As I near a turn, I see some crew at the corner cheering us riders along.  I roll up and stop in front of Michael, who snaps a picture of me.  I then tell him how I accidentally left my gloves on the moving truck.  I can ride without them but I would like the gloves to eventually get back to me.  As I have said in the earlier days, the crew here is THE best!  He immediately gets on his phone to see if someone can locate my gloves. 

I continue on the country roads towards Winters.  Oh, all these roads are looking mighty familiar.  I rode on some of these yesterday, during the Davis Double. It is a little weird to be riding on them again so soon after.  At one point, Jim rides by and kindly helps pull me along for a bit.  I greatly appreciate it as it is going to take awhile for my legs to get into their groove, if at all.

After a bit, Jim drifts away from me and I continue pedaling along.  My legs eventually get into a decent groove. I am not riding quite as brisk as I was on Day 1 but my legs can still pedal along at a decent clip.  I eventually roll into Winters.

Tweet: "22 miles into day 4!  in winters...my seat is a bit tender.  my knees ached when I started but think I've gotten the gears going again!"  

I roll into the park in downtown Winters.  I snack on some delicious brownies and chit chat with folks.  A few people come up to me and ask me how the double went and how do I feel today?  I tell them I feel a little sore but good.  But, I feel happy. Today is an exciting day for everyone and I think the excitement in the air energizes me.

A couple crew members make sure I get my gloves, which have been found and brought to the first rest stop for me (what did I tell you, the here crew absolutely rocks!!).

After a bit, we get rolling again.  It is mellow day as we will not roll into the Capitol until noon so no hurry this morning.  The next stretch is from Winters to Davis.  I know this stretch very well so it is rather nice to be riding on familiar territory.  And, it is a lovely sunny day out this morning too!

I ride with Mike for a little bit but he disappears ahead of me when he picks up the pace.  I ride with a few gals the rest of the way.  At one point, I am pulling the pace line.  But, not a moment passes before Emily comes riding around me saying I shouldn't have to pull today.  Us gals ride along, chit chatting, and just enjoying a lovely ride on a lovely day.

We pass by a few folks who ask who we are and whether we are a race team, since all are matching.  We tell them we are with NorCal Aids Cycle and finishing at the Capitol today!

We eventually roll into the UC Davis Fire Station for a rest stop.

Tweet: "at uc davis...37 miles in...resting up before we make our final stretch to the finish!  having a fabulous fun time!"  

Here is a small area but a lot of love in the air.  There is lots of hugging and pictures getting taken.  Everyone is smiling and happy.  A ton of positive energy in the air.  Whatever soreness and exhaustion I may have from the days prior is dulled by all the energy and excitement of the people around me.

After a bit, we start rolling out towards Sacramento.  Mike says he'll hang back with me this time.  It is nice that this stranger I met and befriended on the first day is riding with me on the last day.

We ride through Davis.  As we pass through downtown Davis, it is quite the sight of this large pack of cyclists, all wearing the NCAC jerseys.  Fun to watch people we pass by look at us curiosity, with intrigue.  As I reach the Yolo Causeway, I think this is my first time crossing the Yolo Causeway and what a memory it is.  Traffic is not too bad on the Causeway and I am with good company so not so bad.

After getting into West Sacramento, I see various crew members and the crew vehicles all along the way cheering us on as we near downtown Sacramento.  It is kind of surreal that the ride is nearly over with.

We then cross the bridge into downtown Sacramento and roll into the Crocker Park to a nice applause from our fellow crew members and riders.  We all applaud as each person rolls in!  We did it!

Tweet: "just rolled into sac...51.8 miles...regrouping before we all ride together to the Capitol at noon for the closing ceremonies!  come watch!"

Now, we just have to hang out until about noon before we roll into the Capitol for the closing ceremonies.

My fellow WAV riders are riding from Folsom down to the Capitol today to welcome me back.  A couple have sent messages inquiring where I am. I just tell them I will be rolling into the Capitol right at noon.  I am touched that my WAV girls have ridden downtown to witness the end of my four-day journey!  Such a loving, supportive group I am so proud to be the organizer of.  I cannot wait to see them at the Capitol.



We all hang out at the park.  There is tons of pictures being taken.  Everyone seems to be relishing in our accomplishments of the past four days.  I kind of wish I could just be around all this happy, positive energy all the time.  

About 11:45 a.m., all the cyclists gather together for the final stretch together.  The end of this journey together.  I feel a bit emotional and know that I am going to get a little teary eyed.  Jim makes a few comments.  

The motor crew gets ready to roll ahead of the cyclists.  We hear them rev their engines.  This already gets my eyes to start to water a bit.  Then, they roll ahead.  

Two by two, we each roll out together down the street the Capitol.  I roll out of the park with Jake and Stacy, on the tandem.  As we approach the Capitol, I see the balloons and a huge crowd of people there to welcome us!  My eyes are watery but they are happy tears as I am very moved by all of this.  

We reach the Capitol and have to get off our bikes.  We roll our bikes to the Capitol steps.  The crowds are cheering us as we come in.  I try to look for my friends.  Then, I see Lisa right there with her camera, of course.  I walk around and see the UC Davis Band-Uh playing at the steps.  We all gather all along the steps.  I stand beside my new NCAC friends.  

While standing watching the rest of the cyclists roll in, I am amazed at how many there are of us.  I know I have spent a number of days with them but it is quite the site to see the line of cyclists roll in, two by two and gather on the Capitol steps.  

I look out around for my friends but there are so many people.  Then, I see a person in pink flailing her arms for my attention.  I see that it is Kallie.  Next to Kallie, I spot the rest of the WAV gals as well as Craig (who has lovely flowers for me).  It delights me to see them there for me!  I feel lucky to have such wonderful friends in my life and that my friendships continue to grow.  :D

After the cyclists have gathered onto the steps, all the crew members joins us in front of us.  According to NCAC tradition, all the cyclists pull out their water bottles and dump or spray water on all the crew members.  


We then listen to the various speakers talk about the event, about AIDS awareness, about how much money we have raised and for which organizations will benefit from the funds we have raised.  It is amazing that we all raised over $300,000 and to me, it is nice knowing the organizations/providers that benefit from those monies, and that most are local organizations/providers.  

Epilogue

So, that's the story of my four days of insanity.  I rode a total of 459 miles.  Many told me I was crazy to ride that much in four days but I managed to pull it off.  It was crazy and not always easy.  I definitely felt my body get worked after four days.  And, it certainly helped to have a lot of support from my awesome friends.  My friend Tawny said after the Davis Double that it is one part determination, one part grit, and one part being too stupid to realize when you're beat.  I would definitely agree with that statement.  I may sometimes too stupid to realize just how insane the things I attempt to do are.  But, I seem to manage to get through it.  There were times that I felt like crap and I begin to wonder why am I doing this to myself.  But then, I remember what I was doing it all for, I remember the people that generously donated to NCAC for me to do this ride (and those that wanted to see me pull of the craziness of doing a double century in between) and that kept me going.  


The NCAC part of the experience was simply one of the best experiences ever.  The new friends I made during NCAC were all such great and amazing people.  I will say it again, the NCAC crew was seriously the BEST!   The whole NCAC ride was very well organized and supported.  It made for a memorable and wonderful experience.  And, what it is all for is certainly important and that to be surrounded by so many caring, determined people is also something in itself.  When I do my doubles or whatever crazy event, people are determined to accomplish things usually for one own's self fulfillment.  But doing the NCAC, we have some of that, but people determined to accomplish things for a particular cause, an important one that that.  

I certainly would love to do NCAC again.  I think next time, I won't break away to do a double century so I can be part of the whole thing.  And, I hope more of my cycling friends (or other friends) might be inspired to participate next year (or in future years).  It was definitely one of the best bike rides of my lifetime.  

Acknowledgments

BIG THANK YOUS TO THE FOLLOWING

To the organizers of NCAC for organizing such a magnificent event and putting together such a fabulously supported and memorable experience.  I also thank you for being supportive in my crazy endeavor to break away to do the Davis Double.

To the crew of NCAC for being the best dang crew out there!  Having been on poorly supported rides, I appreciate rides where I am well supported and this was the BEST support ever!  Not just in taking care of us cyclists with good food and drinks but just generally taking care of us out there on the road.  The cheering as we rode along or when we arrive into a rest stop always made me feel so special.

To my fellow cyclists of NCAC, I thank you for being part of such a wonderful experience.  It was the utmost pleasure befriending so many of you and getting to ride with you.  I greatly appreciate all the support you all gave me during the ride as well as when I went off to do my crazy 200 miles.  I hope to ride with you all again soon(ish).

To those that donated to NCAC for me - Alice, Amy, Bill, Brandon, Bruce, Charlie, Cheryl, Chris, Daphni, David/Debbie, Diane/Jeff, Eddie, Elijah, Emilie, Eva, Gerry, Janice, Jason, Javier/Kallie, Jeff, Jessie/Sallie, Joan, Joanne, Jonathan, Julie, Kara, Ken, Kim/Dana, Lhia, Linda A., Linda Y., Lisa G., Lisa M., Lisa S., Lora, Lourdes, Manny N., Manny G., Mariah, Marissa, Marley, Michelle, Mike, Paul/Theresa, Perry, Ralph, Rayann, Richard, Ruben, Russ, Sarah, Scott, Shannon, Sheila, Tammy, and Wendy!  Thank you SOOOO much for your generosity!!  I was able to raise above my original goal of $2000 and raise $2615!

Thank you to all the friends who sent encouraging and supportive messages to me during my four days riding out there!  Those messages really help keep me going!

Thank you Tawny for your support and encouraging the crazy idea to do both the NCAC and the Davis Double.  I really thank you for coming to pick me up in Williams and taking me back to Davis.

BIG thank you Craig for your wonderful support throughout the whole thing from taking me to Beals Point on Day 1 to welcoming me back on Day 4 and all the things you did for me in between.  Everything you do for me is greatly appreciated and I feel lucky that you are so supportive and encouraging of my completely insane ideas.  Hopefully next time, you can there with me for the whole thing (minus the double).  ;-)

Thank you to my beloved WAV riders.  The biggest group to donate were from you all.  Such a wonderful loving group of women I am so proud to be the organizer for.  In the past year, I have watched this group blossom into such an amazing group.  I love the love and support you all give to one another and to me.  I thank you for your generosity.  I want to give special thanks to Joanne, Lisa S., Linda, Lisa M., Becky, Kallie, Debbie, and Deanne for riding down to the Capitol to welcome me back!

Extra special thanks goes to my sweet Joanne!  I thank you for being there to see me off at Beals Point on the first day, for sending all those emails to the WAV riders encouraging them to donate to NCAC for me (I think you really racked in some extra donations for me), and for organizing the WAV ride to the Capitol to welcome me back.  You really are just such a fabulous friend to me and I am most thankful for that!  :D

Four Days of Insanity. Part 3: Davis Double Century (May 19, 2012)

FOUR DAYS OF INSANITY


From May 17 to 20, 2012, I rode 450+ miles in 4 days.  I rode in the NorCal Aids Cycle (NCAC) as well as the Davis Double Century.  The recap of my four day adventure will be done in four parts, one part of each day of craziness.  This is part 3...the third day of my crazy adventure...when I did the Davis Double Century!     


PART 3: DAY 3 OF INSANITY:  DOUBLING UP WITH THE DAVIS DOUBLE!

Preface


So, how did I come to do a double century in the middle of the NorCal Aids Cycle?  


One of my goals this year is get the California Triple Crown, to do three double centuries in a year.  Of all the double centuries this year I wanted to do, the Davis Double was the one I wanted to do the most.  I really wanted one of my triple crown doubles to include the Davis Double.  


But, after I had already signed up for NCAC did I find out the Davis Double would be on May 19th, right smack dab in the middle of the NCAC ride.  Shoot!  


Earlier in the year, I was talking to some friends which doubles we were planning to do this year.  I made mention that I really wanted to do the Davis Double but the date conflicts with NCAC.  My (crazy) friend Tawny says do both.  She tells me Day 3 of NCAC overlaps some of the Davis Double course so you could do both.  Then, around the time I was doing my first double in Solvang, Tawny offered to help transport me to and from the NCAC and the Davis Double. 


As with many crazy ideas that get planted into my head, it doesn't take to long for the idea to grow.  When the Davis Double registration opened, I started to think about it more.  I really wanted to do the Davis Double.  But, that's a lot of riding to be doing and I needed to figure out the logistics.  But as the weeks got closer to the Davis Double so did my desire to do it.  


Then, a couple weeks prior to the beginning of the NCAC ride, I emailed NCAC asking whether I could do both.  They gave me the okay and so I registered for the Davis Double.  I think my extra craziness may have helped rake in a few extra donations too.  


During the first couple days of my four day adventure, numerous NCAC folks came up to me to ask me if I was tho one doing the double.  I had many tell me I was a crazy one but many expressed much encouragement in this crazy endeavor.  


Insane Day 3 - The Davis Double Century 


In the wee hours of the morning, my alarm clocks went off.   I slept much better this time than the night prior so I felt okay.  But, getting up out of bed is tough though as my legs are quite achy.  I feel like an old woman as I try to get myself moving.  


Tweet: "up wicked early and getting ready for day 3 of insanity!  today is the truly insane day!  oh man I'm achy!"


Today, the NCAC folks are wearing red.  I wear my new red jersey, which says "Rides Like A Girl" on it. I then get the rest of my gear on and get ready to roll out of my apartment.  It's about 3:30 a.m.  I am going to ride to the start since it is only a few miles away.  


Tweet: "I'm wearing my red jersey today like my fellow NCAC riders!  about to head out my door and ride to the start!  time to double up my miles!"  


It is dark out so I have my headlamp on but not too cold.  My legs feel okay riding on the bike though I can tell they do not have quite the same strength in them as I had two days ago.  But, I am riding at a decent pace.  


As I ride over the overpass, I see a tandem bike ahead.  They have to be doing the double too as who else would be out on a tandem bike at this time of day.  


It does not take me too long to get to the Veteran's Memorial.  I see a number of cyclists here already and quite a bit roll out.  I find the Hammerin' Wheels guys Todd, Kevin, and Dale at the front.  Eventually, Rex, Mike, and finally Jeff joins our group.  


Tweet: "day 3 of insanity begins! rode 4.4 miles to the double start!"


The Hammerin' Wheels guys and I roll out from the Veteran's Memorial Building and out of Davis.  Mike pulls us along for a good while at a nice pace.  Around 10ish miles in, I hit a little bump in the road.  I do okay but I think my tail light comes a little loose because shortly later, it falls off my bike.  In the middle of the pace line, I just let it go.  The sun will be up in not too long and the guys behind me have tail lights.  


At one point, the pace line rotates to me in the front pulling.  I pull along for a bit.  I get ready to rotate out and let whoever is next pull but I see Dale coming up on my left side so I stay in place.  He has decided to charge to the front with Kevin shortly following.  Then, these guys decide to kick the pace up even more.  


I then slide to back to the rear of the pace line.  As Jeff passes me, he says something along the lines "When did we decide to start racing?"   Since I am the tail of the group now, with no tail light, I try to maneuver my headlamp around to the back of my head and flip it to the red light setting. This is tricky to do and maintain the brisk pace.  Having already put 200 miles on my legs this week, they require a bit longer to warm up so holding this pace is hard.  After a bit, I just let the pack go and just ride my own pace.  


As I watch them fade into the distance, I am so mad at them.  Why did I bother meeting and waiting for them if they were just going to drop me so early in the ride.  I could have just started before 4 am or earlier if I knew they were going to ditch me like that.  I did not expect to ride together the whole time but at least to the first rest stop, the flat boring part.  


I ride along to the rest stop.  I get to the first rest stop and see that all the Hammerin' Wheels guys have left this rest stop too.  Don't bother waiting on me.  I am more irritated at them (Note: I may be more crankier than usual due to tiredness).  


Tweet: "first rest stop...mile 27.4...the HW boys already dropped me...pacing myself!"


As I roll out of the rest stop, I see a message from Javier saying "Smart girl" in response to my tweet (above).  This cheers me up a little and I ride along towards Winters.  


I ride along through the country roads.  At one turn, there is a volunteer there directing us to turn right.  He is dressed as Santa Clause.  Kind of an unusual but he's pretty peppy and it is rather amusing.  


I also am seeing a beautiful sunrise.  I manage to take a quick picture of it on my phone as I ride along.  


Eventually, I get into a nice pace line for a bit.  They kind of slow down as we roll past winters so I pass them up.  After a little bit, the line catches up to me and rides my tail for a bit.  It starts to get a little bit windy as we get near Cardiac hill.  One fellow helps pull me for a bit through the wind.  


Then we all start climbing the hill.  All sorts of fast people pass me as I climb up this hill.  I just trudge my way up the hill.  I have climbed this hill a number of times so know it to not be that big of a deal.  There are bigger hills for later in the day.  However, not too far up the hill, I feel a twinge on my left hip (around the hip flexor).  It nearly cramps up.  


Then, the climb gets really hard.  I eat a few shot blocks but my legs and hips are just screaming in pain as I climb up this hill.  I am in a so much pain and feeling so miserable, I nearly want to cry.  I think I feel my eyes welling up a little bit as I continue to truck up this hill.  I know I am nearing 50 miles and thinking I am only 1/4 of the way through this day.  This day is going to be a very long day.  


I keep going but I do really want to cry.  I think about my friends who have encouraged me in my craziness and the ones that have been following me along in my adventures.  I remember some of their encouraging comments.  I remember I am an endurance athlete and so I am trained to endure...this is what it is about...going when things get rough.  So, I keep going, despite feeling miserable.   


I finally start descending and I just fly down the hill.  And not too long after, I reach the rest stop.  


Tweet: "the climb up cardiac hurt...my hips and legs are weary!  but made it to mile 60...it's going to be a long day!"


At the rest stop, I pop some sport legs capsules, refill my water, and eat a bagel and some fruit.  I check my phone and see a few encouraging messages from friends.  This helps a little.  From Daphni, I see "Ride your own ride";  From Wendy, I see "That's our girl!"  I also see a couple text messages from Craig.  He has been sending me messages throughout each day of riding, which always peps me up.  But, at this time, I had hit a low and his messages are even more appreciated, though they do almost make me want to cry again.  One of his messages is him telling what a crazy, amazing girl he thinks I am.  He always says just the nicest things to me and right now, it makes me feel better.  I tell him how Cardiac really hurt and how I am in a lot of pain.  


I then get back on the bike and continue on.  I decide to be more diligent about my fueling now.  I take a shot block every 20 minutes.  I make sure I am drinking water routinely too.  


I hit some rollers and am doing okay.  A couple folks pass me by and making nice comments such as "good job."  One fellow says "you're doing great #305!"  It is nice to have friendly riders out.  I also take in how pretty it is riding out near Berryessa and wine country.  Beautiful countryside


I eventually get into a nice rhythm.  My cycling legs have somewhat found their groove again.  I do not hurt so much as before.  And, in not too long, I have made it to the next rest stop.  I like the rest stops at the Davis Double are much closer together than they were when I did the Solvang Double.  


Tweet: "my climbing legs are doing better.  hip kind of wants to cramp but I'm being diligent about fueling.  at mile 79.  it's pretty out!"  
  
At this rest stop, I use the bathroom.  Then, I eat a bunch of fruit.  Some watermelon and orange slices.  I see pickles there and remember someone saying how pickles are good.  I cannot remember if it helps cramping or what but figure, I should eat some.  


As I am eating away, I hear someone holler my name and turn to see my friend Mike.  Mike is a very high energy, positive guy.   I am so happy to see him.  His energy gives me energy and peps me back up.  We chit chat a quick bit.  He had started a little after I did.  He asks if I have seen any of the HW guys.  I tell him how they all ditched me early on.  He just about rolls over on the floor laughing.  


Then, I see my friend Tim and Julie.  Both greet me and we chit chat a quick bit.  I am really happy to see some friends at this time.  I had been struggling out there by myself and seeing friendly faces really energizes me back up.  


I get back on the road feeling like I have a second wind kicking in.   Shortly after rolling out, as I am climbing a roller hill, Tim rides past me.  He gives me some encouraging words (which I really appreciate) and off he goes, seeing if he catch the other guys.  


As I ride along, I recognize where I am.  I rode out here for my half ironman earlier in the month.  I know that Honey Hill is coming up.  It is not a super tough climb but still a decent climb.  I eat a GU before reaching Honey Hill hoping this hill goes better than Cardiac did.  


I hit the hill and climb it without much struggle.  My climbing legs seem to have finally warmed up and climbing like normal again.  My hip is not bothering me so much now.  Though, as I am climbing, I have a little trouble breathing.  I feel my lungs close up a little bit.  It does not slow me down but I do pant quite heavily as I get up the hill.  


Once over the hill, I feel alright.  It is such a relief that my legs are feeling much better, especially my climbing legs.  I am nearing the 100 mile mark thinking good, I am nearly halfway done.  


Tweet: "mile 98...had a little trouble breathing as I climb honey hill but legs felt ok.  i feel good now!"


At the next rest stop, I see they have cold Cokes!  I down a Coke and eat a handful of potato chips.  The salty chips really hit the spot!   I know a big climb is coming, Cobb Mountain, and hoping the Coke will give the energy I need to get up it.  


Not too long after rolling out, this couple passes me.  The guy says "you know, you ride like a girl" (trying to be funny because of my jersey).  Oh, how funny (*sarcasm*).  The girl riding next to him says "he means that as a compliment."  He then says "you'll probably pass me on the hill later."   I watch them disappear ahead of me.  


As I then head on out towards Cobb Mountain.  Some of my cyclist friends had described this hill to be quite the climb.  Last night, I looked it up and checked out the grade on ridewithgps or something.  I did not see too bad of grades for this hill.  Look to be a long(ish) steady(ish) climb.  


Whatever I was looking at last night about Cobb Mountain was not accurate at all!  I climb along this hill and it starts getting a bit steeper than anticipated.  I flip my garmin to the screen that I can see the grade.  The grade is over 10%.  It flips between 16-17% at some points.  Geez!  A bit steeper than I thought but my climbing legs are feeling strong and I just pedal my way up, up, up the hill.  


This climb starts to get a bit warm out.  My sweat is just dripping down my face.  A little bit into my eyes.  My eyes sting a little bit since I wear contacts.  I pull off my sunglasses and stuff them into my jersey pocket.  I then pour some water on my head to keep me cool.  I continue climbing away wondering just how long is this hill.  


As I am climbing this hill, I am thinking this is kind of like Beatty (a hill in El Dorado Hills I am highly familiar with).  There are some moderate grade sections and then the steeper section in the middle then back to the moderate grade but it is like repeats of it but without the descent.  But, Beatty does not bother me quite as much as it does others.  So, I keep going along up the hill. 


At one point, I spot the guy who said "you ride like a girl."  He's weaving back and forth on the road.  I slowly inch up to him and eventually pass him.  I am very tempted to make some comment about "This is how a girl rides" but he seems to be struggling so I let him be.  


A bit later up the hill, it is getting toasty up this hill.  I pour more water on myself and make sure I am consistently sipping water.  I still feel pretty good going up this hill though good grief, where is the top?!  


I see my friend Mike on the side of the road, in some shade.  I ask him if he's okay.  he says he's taking a little rest.  Shortly after I pass him, I see him get back on his bike.  I look back and he seems to be doing okay. 


Finally, I see what seems to be the top.  Then, I see the rest stop.  Yes!  As I near the rest stop, I spot Jeff riding out of the rest stop.  He does not see me.  But, I feel happy that I have nearly caught up to some of the guys I started out with this morning.  


Tweet: "after 100 miles, they throw you one long, hot, not so low grade hill...but I got up Cobb Mountain without stopping! @107 miles!"


Arriving into this rest stop, I feel pretty happy having gotten up Cobb Mountain without stopping.  My climbing legs feel strong and I feel good all around.  I am glad whatever misery I felt around mile 50 has passed.  


I refill my water bottles and find a nice, well earned cold Coke to drink!  Oh so refreshing after that long, rather warm climb!  As I am standing around, I spot my friend Griff.  He is another very high energy, enthusiastic friend.  He asks me how doing the AIDS ride and the double are going.  He gives me some encouraging words and off he goes.  


This guy (Carl), who I had seen riding with my friend Mike earlier, approaches me.  He asks me if I saw Mike as he's been waiting for him.  I tell him that Mike is not too far behind me. We chit chat a little bit.   


Shortly later, my friend Mike rolls into the rest stop.  Poor guy looks tired.  He introduces me to his friend Carl.  We tell him we kind of already met.  Mike tells me how Carl is a runner too.  Carl has run the Western States 100 (on my bucket list of crazy things).  We talk about crazy running & cycling endurance events as Mike gets some food and such.  Always fun to meet another fellow crazy person.  
  
I then spot Julie as she rolls into the rest stop. Julie always complains about hills and how she thinks she is no good on them, though I feel she has gotten much stronger on hills lately.  I am so delighted to see her reach the top of Cobb Mountain.  I expect her to complain about the hill but she does not.  She tells me how she made it all the way up without stopping or walking, which she had to do last year.  I am so very proud of her!  


After a bit, I get ready to roll out.  Mike and Carl roll out with me but they do not stay too long with me before disappearing ahead of me.  


I start a descent.  I have gotten faster on my descents lately and ready to go down this hill fast and furiously. I start flying down the hill.  A little bit down the hill, my front wheel starts to wobble a little.  I still have control so I brake a little bit to slow down but continue descending.  The wobble gets even worse and I feel like my whole front wheel and handlebars are wobbling WAY out of hand.  This freaks me out.  I wonder if I broke a spoke.  


I look to see a safe place to pull over and spot a small driveway like area to the right.  I direct my bike in that direction and start braking more.  The front wheel is wobbling around like mad.  I get the bike to stop on the side.  A couple cyclists behind me ask me if I am okay and alert other cyclists coming down to slow down.  I say I am fine.  I hear them mumble something about my wobble as they continue down the hill.  


I get off my bike and check the wheels.  It looks to be okay.  No broken spokes.  The tires are not flat.  I do not know what is causing the wobbling.  I let the rims cool down a bit since I had to brake rather hard to stop mid descent.  I decide I should continue on, descend a little slower.  


I roll down the hill.  An occasional wobble would start but then I slow down my descent. I get down okay. Very odd.  I may have to have my bike looked at when I get to the lunch stop.  But, this has me a bit worried as I still have a fair amount of riding to do.  And, I need Georgie to get me through it all.  


As I reach the lunch stop, I feel pretty tried.  I also find I am a bit behind the time I had expected to ride.  I feel a little disappointed but think if I make this lunch stop brief, I can try to pick things up after lunch.  


Tweet: "had a scary descent in which bike wobbled crazily.  stopped & checked bike ok. made it to lunch stop- 120 miles"


At the lunch stop, I find a few of my friends - Jeff, Todd, Rex, and Julie.  I sit and have lunch with them for a bit.  The food is pretty good and it is nice to have lunch with friends.  In Solvang, my last double, I sat and ate a quick lunch all alone.  The support here is great.  Good food, cold drinks, and lots of ice to refill our water bottles with.  They even are giving cyclists ice in socks to put on their necks.  


After a little longer than planned, I get back on the bike.  As I pedal out of the lunch stop, my knees and legs are achy.  They have a tough time restarting.  I ride my way out of Clearlake, or whatever town we are in.  I am feeling kind of slow but legs are still spinning.  


A pace line comes past me.  I do not bother to try to latch on anymore as my legs are too tired for such.  As the tail of the pace line comes by, I see Julie is the tail and she says "get on!" So, I do.  I ride not very far before I feel far too tired to hang out and let myself fall off the pace line.  


As I am drifting back, Julie looks back.  She sees me fall off the pace line.  She then falls back letting the pace line go.  She slows down until I am back on her wheel and then starts pulling me.  What an angel she is!  I think as I ride along how this is the WAV spirit I love!  (WAV is my women's cycling group.  My biggest emphasis with this group is that we never leave a woman behind).  Here we are in the Davis Double and Julie, my sweet angel, did not just let me get dropped.  I think about how wonderful my WAV girls all are.  The WAV girls donated the most out of my friends to NCAC and a bunch of them will be cycling to the Capitol on Sunday to welcome me home.  And, here I am in the middle of the hardest day, feeling a bit weary, and one of my WAV girls has come to help pull me along, not letting me just get dropped.  


She pulls me along for a bit.  As we get to Resurrection hill.  Julie knows I am a stronger hill climber than her so as we approach the hill, she says she will be so slow on the hill and I can just leave her behind.  Silly girl, like I would do that after she hung back to help pull me along.  


We climb the hill.  I keep her in my sight behind me.  She seems to be doing okay on the hill.  My climbing legs still have their groove so gets up Resurrection without much issues.  It is hot as heck though.  There is no cover at all here and not pretty at all.  At least with Cobb Mountain, there were trees around and lovely scenery as you dragged yourself up the hill.  This is just concrete and dirt around me.  


My feet start to burn a bit as I reach the top.  They feel like they are on fire.  I try to loosen up the straps to see if that would help.  


Tweet: "a pace line dropped me but Julie, my angel, fell back to pull me along!  that's the WAV spirit I love!"


Tweet: "mile 140ish.  just conquered resurrection hill!  time for a cold coke!"


At the rest stop on top of Resurrection, I take off my cycling shoes to hoping relieve the burning in my feet.  But, it is so dang hot up on this hill, the ground is too hot to stand on in socks.  I spot Todd taking shade cover in one of the tents.  I see Jeff and Rex for a quick bit before they take off.  They say it's pretty much all downhill and flat from here.  


I drink a cold Coke and eat a quick snack before getting back on the bike.  I thank Julie for helping me along and start getting going again.  I do not want to rest too long as my legs stiffen up pretty quickly now.  


As I start descending, I start to notice that my front handlebar bag does have a lot of stuff on it so hanging a little bit low.  Is this what is causing the wobble?  Is the bag hitting the front wheel?  And sure enough as I start descending, the wobble starts again.  I then yank the straps to tighten them up more.  And, the wobble stops.  Yes, problem solved!  


I ride along and turn onto Highway 16.  After a little bit, I see a pink arrow on the ground.  I know those pink arrows.  They are the markers for the NCAC route.  I have finally reached the point where the NCAC route and the Davis Double intersect.  Of course, it's mid afternoon now so the NCAC riders have probably long passed.  I am a bit bummed.  I had hoped to see some of them today.  I still hope to finish early enough to get back in time for the evening program but I see that I am behind schedule and just getting more and more tired as I go.  *sigh*


I continue along, occasionally seeing a pink arrow here and there.  I see where some of the NCAC rest stops were earlier that day.  The pink arrows are comforting to see as I trudge along this hot afternoon.   Though, as I calculate how much more I have to ride and the time of day it is, I see my finish time getting later and later.  I feel a little sad I will likely be missing dinner and the evening program.  I feel bad about it since tonight was the family night.  I had looked forward to returning to NCAC this evening and Craig seemed excited about going to the family/friends dinner.  But, I have so much more riding still left to do and as I continue on, it seems less and less likely I will make it back in time.  :(


My feet continue to feel like they are on fire.  They do not want to be in my cycle shoes any more.  The sides feel tight.  My feet start to hurt quite a bit.  My legs are still spinning just fine but my feet are burning with pain.  I try squirting some water from my bottle on my feet.  It does not help really and probably made things worse as I could blister more now.  I try to unstrap the shoes again hoping that them being looser may relieve some of the burning.  This does not help.  I am in SO much pain.  


The pain gets to the point of unbearable.  So, when I reach a flat portion and seeing that it probably is relatively flat from here to the next stop, I just pull my feet out of my shoes, which are still clipped into the pedals.  I put my feet on top of my shoes and pedal away.  They feel much better now to be aired out and not confined into the tight shoes!  


For about 3 miles, I ride with my feet on top of my cycle shoes.  Then, I reach the Guinda rest stop.  


Tweet: "last stretch was long, hot and exhausting.  made it to the NCAC route.  think I'm so far behind i'm going to miss the NCAC dinner & festivities later :("


Tweet: "oh at mile 165...roiute will be longer than 200...my feet are burning in pain but legs feel ok!"


At the rest stop, I feel a little dismayed that I am so far behind schedule.  I feel rather tired and cranky.  I get getting a bit mad at some friends making comments on facebook about what my bike may need (because of the wobbling problem).  I SO do not need that right now.  I am out in the middle of nowhere having ridden 350+ miles in 3 days now and feeling blah.  


I text Craig that I am tired and cranky and how I am running late and how I think we'll be missing the whole NCAC dinner.  I feel so bad now.  He replies, telling me it's okay and he'll be there when I finish.  He sends some more encouraging messages and this helps pep me up.  I may have gotten a little in over my head with this crazy four day endeavor but I am determined to finish what I started.  


I wander to the back of the rest stop and see some Todd, Jeff, and Rex here.  Todd and Jeff seem rather spent.  I feel it too.  I head over to the food table and see they have boiled potatoes here.  For long endurance trail runs, potatoes are one of my favorite rest stop items.  Oh, I am so excited to see them here.  I eat about 4-5 of them, with salt added on.  Potatoes and another can of coke, I feel revived a bit.  


There is a kiddie pool here that some of the cyclists have their feet in.  I am glad I am not the only one who had burning feet.  I take of my socks and wade my feet into the kiddie pool for a little bit, cooling down my poor hot feet. 


Then, I get myself back on the bike.  Going to at least try to finish before sundown.  It will be close though.  


I ride along a mostly flat road.  I pass Cache Creek.  I still see the NCAC pink arrows.  While I did not get to see any of the NCAC folks today, it is nice that I am now riding along the same course. 


My legs are still spinning pretty well considering the amount of miles I put on them.  I roll into the countryside and there are big fields.  The air seems to have a lot of dust in it.  I start having a hard time breathing.  I am panting away, practically gasping for air.  At one point, I sound like I am dying but the rest of me feels okay.  I start to hyperventilate but I do not want to stop.  I want to keep going.  I am going forward.  


I begin to feel it now.  Not the pain, not the exhaustion, but the sheer determination and will power.  It is like a fire inside of me is ignited and I am pushing my way to that darn finish.  I did this crazy thing because I want this.  I want to finish this double and that drive is keeping me going.  


Tweet: "at 183 miles. legs feeling strong though dust in the air had me hyperventilating a bit...but still going going going..."


At the rest stop, I make it quick.  I dump a bottle of water on my head.  My breathing goes back to normal. I refill my water.  I see my friend Joan and her husband roll in.  I am so happy to see Joan.  (Joan has been one person who really encouraged me to do double centuries and go for my triple crown.).  I also see Todd and Jeff roll in.  The two wander to two lawn chairs and plop themselves down, ready to rest for a bit.  I look at the sun and know I have to really book it to beat sundown.  So, I get right back on the bike and off I go again.  


After a little bit, a couple Sacramento Wheelmen guys pass me.  I think we had passed each other earlier.  One man tells me I am doing a good job. As the two guys pass, I latch myself onto their draft and we go flying along the country roads for a bit.  


We near the last rest stop.  I have heard the last stop has grilled cheese sandwiches and other yummy treats but it is only ~10 miles from the finish.  I debate whether I want to just blow through the last rest stop and really fight to finish before sundown or make the stop.  Grilled cheese does sound good.  I remember the last rest stop in Solvang was the best with chili soup.  


I look at the sun setting as I race along the country roads.  I think I am going to have to pull out my headlamp soon.  I think I may let the sun win today.  I decide I will stop at the last rest stop at the Fire Station.  


Tweet: "at last rest stop.  less than 10 miles to go!"


This rest stop is most certainly the best rest stop of the day.  It is inside a fire station.  Super friendly volunteers here.  I eat a couple grilled cheese sandwiches, which taste amazing!  A lady gives me a cup of pea soup, amazing also!   I drink a cold Pepsi and enjoy my soup.  I am glad I made this stop.  


I also take the time to pull out my lighting equipment for night riding.  After finishing up my food and Pepsi, I get back on the bike for the final stretch.  


We head down very familiar country roads now.  I feel that Davis is near.  I do not need to look at the route sheet to know where I am going anymore.  I know the way home and my legs are just flying now.  I feel I have a third/fourth wind or whatever you want to call it kick.  I am going to do this.  I want this.  I want to be that crazy person who finishes this double century having already ridding 200 miles the two days priors.  I am going to finish my second double century.  The want and determination is strong and it is sheer grit that has me going.  


I get into Davis and I get stopped at a stoplight on Villanova.  I push the button waiting for the light to change.  And just as the light turns green, this guy I had passed earlier comes flying pass me.  I lay down the hammer and go chasing after him.  I want to finish ahead of him and I do catch him and pass him.  I then come flying down the final stretch past the high school to the Veteran's Memorial Building.  


I slow down to turn into the driveway of the parking lot.  The crowd of friends and family members clap as I roll in (they are doing this to all the cyclists finishing).  A rather nice way to finish.  And, as I roll in, on the side, in the dark, I spot Craig.  I ride right up to him and then unclip.  Finally, I can get off the bike.  


Tweet: "finished the Davis Double and day 3 of insanity!!  booyah!"


Done!  Finished my longest ride ever!  And, that's how a girl rides!  ;-)

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

I want to thank all my friends for their support before, during, and after the ride.  The numerous messages of encouragement many of you sent during the ride really helped me get through the ride.   Special thanks to Javier & Joanne in sending the most supportive messages throughout the day!!  

Thanks to Jeff S., Todd, Rex, Kevin, Tim, Julie, Mike K., Dale, Carl, Griff and Joan for riding at least some of it with me and/or seeing your friendly faces out there.  Good seeing you all out there!  Congrats to you all for doing the Davis Double!  Special thanks to my sweetie Julie for helping me out in the middle there!  I greatly appreciated it!

Thank you Tawny for putting such a ridiculous crazy idea into my head as I am glad I am doing it, though I might not have been so glad during some of it!   Congrats to you in finishing yet another double!  Bummer we didn't get to see each other!

Thank you to all the support from all the NCAC folks in me doing this crazy endeavor!

Thanks to WAV and Hammerin' Wheels for all the rides we did together to have me prepared for such an endeavor!  Also, thanks to Java Joggers just 'cause you rock and have really helped me get me to where I am today as an athlete, and a happy (though crazy) person.

And lastly, thanks to Craig: I am lucky to have someone who is so very supportive of my crazy endeavors!   Your messages throughout the day really helped me through, especially through some of the tough parts!  And, I am grateful you were there to see me finish!  :)

Four Days of Insanity. Part 2: NCAC Day 2 (May 18, 2012)

FOUR DAYS OF INSANITY


From May 17 to 20, 2012, I rode 450+ miles in 4 days.  I rode in the NorCal Aids Cycle (NCAC) as well as the Davis Double Century.  The recap of my four day adventure will be done in four parts, one part of each day of craziness.  This is part 2...the second day of my crazy adventure!  enjoy!     


PART 2: DAY TWO OF INSANITY:  ANOTHER CENTURY OF FUN!


Early Friday morning, I wake up.  I had tossed and turned a lot in the night.  My back is sore from sleeping on the ground too.  My mattress pad is not very thick.  My legs are a little stiff too.  I think I may have ridden a bit too hard the day before.  Must go easy today if I plan to do a double century on Day 3.  I get my phone and see I got a donation to NCAC!  Woot!  I also get some nice messages from friends back home wishing me well in my adventures.  I like whatever crazy adventures I get myself into, I always have my wonderful friends following me in my crazy adventures and cheering me on in them.  


tweet: "awake early for day 2!  sleeping on the ground made me a bit sore.  but I woke up to see another donation to norcal aids cycle!  woot!"


I climb out of my tent a little after 5 a.m. and head to the bathroom to brush my teeth and change.  While in the bathroom, I hear someone singing in camp to wake everyone up.  A rather amusing wake up call for some I think.  A gal at the bathroom comes up to me and asks me if I am the one doing the double.  Still having random people come up to me.  I don't know how they know I am the crazy one out of all the people here.  


For Day 2, NCAC encouraged everyone to wear Hawaiian shirts of Hawaiian theme clothing.  Not able to find anything, I wear my Party Pardee jersey since it looks rather festive and colorful.  The other cyclists and crew members have on some fun jerseys or shirts on.  Some more decked out than others.  


I break down my tent and pack everything up.  I get my bike ready for another day of fun.  Then, I head to the cafeteria for an amazing spread for breakfast.  Eggs, bacon, sausage, oatmeal, bagels, fruit, yogurt, etc. . . Practically whatever you want for breakfast, they have.  I enjoy a nice breakfast with some new friends I have made.  A lady comes around and puts leis on a bunch of us.  


tweet:  "packed back up and fed a great breakfast.  about to hit the road for another fun 100ish mile day!"


We all gather together and have a few announcements. We will finish the day in Williams, California but since it is at a school, we are not allowed to finish until after 4pm.  They tell us how the fast folks will need to not ride so fast or they will be held at the last rest stop for a bit.  This is good since my plan is to not ride so hard today.  


The cyclists all roll out shortly after 7am.  My legs and knees are sore as they start to pedal.  My bottom is a little tender too having to get back in the saddle again.  Somehow, I end up towards the front of the pack.  But, I ride behind Emily for a bit.  The crew vehicles are out along the course cheering us as we go by.  Many are decked out in Hawaiian clothing so that is fun to see.  After a bit, my cycling legs feel less achy and are able to spin alright.  


At some point, Emily and a couple others split away from me.  I ride along for a bit and then a decent sized train of cyclists come flying by. I hop on it and roll with them for a bit.  Possibly riding a little faster than I intended but it is fun company so why not.  


It does not take us too long to roll into the first rest stop, near Table Mountain. 


Tweet: "19.4 miles into day 2 of insanity!  legs and bottom were a little achy at the start but riding good!  having fun in the front pack!"


Same rest stop as one I went to when I did the Chico Wildflower Century.  Though, when I did Wildflower and arrived at this location, it was in the hot afternoon and the rest stop rather barren with hardly any food and no cold beverages.  A vastly different scene now.  Plenty of snacks and cold beverages for the cyclists.  Lots of happy, energetic people around.  


I see the front pack start to roll out but I decide not to roll out with them.  Going to try to be a little more mellow today.  I see Michael H. and we both roll out together.  He plays music when he rides so is nice to ride near.  


We roll out of the rest stop and go riding along pass Table Mountain.  Memories of Chico Wildflower come to mind.  Namely, memories of the crappy roads in Butte County.  But, I am in good company so having fun.  I chit chat with Michael for awhile.  He tells me how he got to doing NCAC and has been doing it for a number of years.  We have an enjoyable conversation all the way to the next rest stop at a Fire Station.  


Tweet: "33 miles in.  taking it easy now.  riding some of the wildflower route...man, the roads in butte county suck!  but i have fun company! :)"


At the Fire Station, we receive a nice welcome by the crew members cheering and clapping as usual.  I really enjoy coming into the rest stops. I like all the crew members are decked out in nice Hawaiian gear.  What also amuses me is when I get to the rest stops and staring at the food table, the crew members are always pushing food onto you.  "What do you want?  Oranges?  Bagels? Drinks? Etc?"  I eat some snacks and drink some sort of Apple drink that tastes delicious.  

Then, Michael and I get back on the road.  This next stretch is mighty windy.  Michael and I alternate pulling each other along.  Though, the wind really wears on me so Michael ends up pulling me a little bit more on this stretch.  My legs are getting a bit tired too riding along on the rough road.  


While it is only about 10 miles to the next rest stop, it feels a lot longer with the head wind.  I am happy to get to Durham, to a park.  The lunch stop.  Though, kind of early in the day for lunch.  I do feel sleepy though.  I could use a nap.  I did not sleep so well last night and I feel my eyes are a little heavy.  


Tweet: "made it to the lunch stop...tough riding on rough roads into headwind but mike helped pull me along...:)"


Lunch is nice again. Some really tasty sandwiches.  A bunch of us share some cheetos.  The cookies are really tasty too.  I think I eat about 3-4 cookies.  I see the front pack roll out.  I stay and hang out with folks a little longer.  Though, I feel like getting back on the road soon.  If I sit too long, my legs stiffen back up.  


So, after a bit, I get back on the road.  Before I get on the road, I see a comment from Javier (my cycling "father").  He had commented on my tweet about the rough roads and made a comment about doing smooth, circular pedal strokes.  As I get back on the rough road, I keep that in mind.  Smooth, circular pedal strokes.  This kind of makes things a little smoother.  It might be just mental but whatever works.  


I ride along all by myself.  I realize I am probably in between two groups.  Behind the front pack (which I doubt I will catch up to) but ahead of the next pack of riders.  I continue riding along for awhile, not seeing anyway.  The countryside is nice so I keep on my merry way.  


After a bit, I begin to worry as to whether I am on the right road.  I have not seen a pink arrow in a little while nor have I seen any of the motor crew.  I pull out my phone and check my gps and it says I am still on the right road.  So, I continue on.  


A couple miles later, I come around a bend and see three motorcycles to my left.  It's the motor crew!  How happy I am to see them!  A couple of them cheer me on as I pass them.  A couple pass me along the road but nice to know they are out there.  


I make a turn onto a country road.  I get a little tailwind now so picking up the pace a bit.  I see two yellow airplanes flying above.  Probably spraying the fields or something.  One flies really low in front of me.  Hmm.  I continue on.  


Shortly later, I hear the crew members cheering and clapping as I roll into the rest stop.  I tell them I think I am in between two groups so just by myself.  They tell me the other group just left.  


Tweet: "at mile 59.6...a bit lonely on the last stretch.  think i'm between two packs.  I'm grateful for an awesome crew out on the road cheering me on! :)"


Tweet: "thanks jav for reminding me to do smooth circular pedal strokes!  made the last section a bit easier! :)"


As I am sitting at the rest stop, I see that another friend has made a donation to NCAC.  Nice!  I know my friends are following my twitter/fb updates about my four day adventure as I have been getting comments in the past couple days.  So, it is nice that those updates has attracted a few additional donations.  


The day is getting a bit warm.  Warmer than yesterday so I drink some Gatorade and refill my water bottles.  I hang out for a bit chit chatting with some of the crew members for a bit.  There are homemade cookies here.  Chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin.  I eat a couple cookies.  Then, I find they have cold chocolate milk.  Yum!  I down a bottle and feels refreshed by it!  


I see a few cyclists roll into the rest stop but I am ready to hit the road again.  I get back on Georgie and we roll on out.  


Today's ride is rather flat.  So, just long stretches of country roads.  Since I am mostly riding by myself, I decide to put on some tunes.  I play some tunes on my iphone and pedal away, bopping a little bit to my music.  


At one point, I turn onto some country road.  There is a little tailwind so I am easily going 20+ mph.  I glance behind me to see a tractor.  It is a rather wide tractor and it is getting closer to me.  I really do not want to be passed by the tractor so I kick it up a little determined to not let the tractor pass me.  I hammer away for a few miles, glancing back.  The tractor came a little close a couple times but I stay ahead of it.  


Finally, I reach the turn and turn right.  Not sure where the tractor went but I beat it.  Hey, when you're out in the middle of nowhere, you have to find things to amuse oneself.  hehehe


Tweet: "raced ahead of a tractor on a country road for a few miles!  I beat it to the turn without it passing me!  woot"

As I ride along, I notice a nice pond area to my right with a ton of lily pads.  I remember someone mentioning something about lily pads.  It is such a nice sight that I decide to stop and take a couple pictures of the area.  


After this, I ride along.  I see a few crew vehicles pulled over and cheering us on.  A couple gals are jamming tunes, dancing and waving around signs for us cyclists.  Very to fun to ride by them.  


At one point, I see the familiar gray truck (Jerry's truck) roll by me.  Though today, I see there are quite a number of bikes on it.  Aww.  Looks like some people needed to get SAG'd in.  


After pedaling for a bit and kind of dancing a bit to my tunes, I finally arrive to the Nature Preserve, the last stop of the day.  


Tweet: "my legs got a good groove going & spinning strong!  made it to the last rest stop - mile 78!  there's yummy pie here! mmm!"



This rest stop is awesome.  Since we cannot get to Williams until after 4pm, they have made this rest stop extra nice so we can hang out here for awhile before heading to the finish.  I park my bike and take off my cycle shoes then lay down on the ground, in the shade.  I am sleepy and my back is rather sore.  It feels nice to lay down.  


After a bit, someone tells me there is pie here.  I drag myself up and wander over to check out the pies.  Not only do they have pies, which all look amazing, there is chai too.  I drink a cup and eat a slice of black berry pie. Both yum!  


I then wander towards the back benches to find a few other cyclists hanging out in the shade.  We are all told to stay here for a bit as they do not want any cyclists finishing before 4pm.  So, we just hang out and chit chat for a bit.  I get to know a few more cyclists.  


Someone gives us cyclists ice cold towels to put on ourselves.  Oh, it feels great!  We then get ready to roll out as they tell us we are allowed to ride again (so we finish after 4pm).  Two of the guys find out they have flat tires so we wait as they each fix their flats.  One guy jokes that he's just making extra certain we arrive after 4pm.  


Tweet: "I have to say the NCAC crew and rest stops are just the best! makes for a great ride!"


A nice group of us then roll out of the Nature Preserve towards Williams.  Shawn pulls us all at a rather brisk pace.  I hang out for a number of miles but my legs are just too tired to keep that kind of pace up so I slowly fall back.  Tara and Jason hang back with me.  Jason ends up pulling Tara and me.  Still a brisk pace but not as brisk as Shawn.  The three of us ride along but it is getting mighty hot.  


We pass a SAG vehicle and look to see if they have water for us.  The crew members are cheering us on and very peppy but we see no water.   We ride a little bit before seeing another crew vehicle pulled over.  She has water for us, thankfully!  We stop and refill our bottles before continuing along our way.  


In a bit, thanks to Jason's nice pull, we roll into Williams and arrive at the high school right at 4pm.  


We ride out to the back near the gymnasium.  The gym is nice and air conditioned.  Feels nice to sit inside there.  I see the moving truck has started to unload some of the bags onto the grass.  The others start getting themselves set up for the evening.  I start getting together some things ready for my double tomorrow.  


Tweet: "finished day 2!  99.14 miles today!!  so 201.44 miles in 2 days...tomorrow, I'm going to double up! woot!"


Tweet: "was in a nice, fast paceline for most of the last stretch!  thanks Shawn and Jason for pulling us! :)"





So, 200 miles so far in 2 days.  On day 3, I am going to literally double that.  


I hang out for a bit chit chatting with some of the others.  My friend Tawny arrives to take me back to Davis.   I get together my bike and some gear.  I leave my duffle bag and tent to be moved to the next location.  I say goodbye to a few of my new NCAC friends.  I am going to miss them and all this fun in the next day.  But, I look forward to my return after the Davis Double.  


Tweet: "tawny just picked me up from williams, ca...heading back to Davis so I can check in for the double century tomorrow..."


Tawny drives me back to Davis after we stop to pick up some food to eat.  We arrive in Davis and get checked in for the Davis Double.  I get my bib number #305 and route sheet.  


Tweet: "is missing my new NCAC friends but I look forward to returning to them tomorrow after my double insanity! :)"


I arrive back at home.  I take a much needed shower.  Then, I get my gear and bike ready for the big day tomorrow.  I am so exhausted from two days of riding and not enough sleep in between, I relish being able to lay in my own bed.  I fall asleep rather early that night.  I definitely need a good night's sleep in order to pull of the craziness of day 3...the true day of insanity!  




Strava 05/18/2012 NCAC Ride Day 2