DelusionalDude

The raindrops started while we were loading the bikes on the rack. "We" being the wife and I. But we went forward anyway. Loaded the bikes and all the stuff on the rack, pulled out of the driveway and drove the 104 miles to Woodland Park in Anniston, AL. There was spotty rain along the drive, but we held out hope that maybe the scattered showers and 20% chance of precipitation would give way to the 80% chance of not.

No such luck. In the already full parking lot, we unloaded the bikes from the rack, stacked them full of what we thought we needed and headed off. Of course, what we didn't have was rain gear! But we went forward in the rain with a light drizzle coming down, and teasing us with the occasional pause. It rained during many miles of the trip to the state line, but hardly a drop on the way back.

We ran into a few others on the trail, i'm sure it would have been more if the rain had gone earlier. I was surprised to see a few kids out on the trail having a good time, maybe the next LeMond, Armstrong, or Hincapie was ou there! There was one couple on a tandem, quite a few other couples of various ages, and a few familes doing the ride thing. And a really weird looking guy with a backpack riding a beach cruiser, it was strange 'cause he looked to be in really good shape and very fit, but on a beach cruiser? He gave us both the creeps.

Anyway, I don't usually talk about my ride accomplishments but this one I wanted to share. So anyone reading this who is just starting out, keep going! My first ride I was huffing and puffing after going around the block, about a half mile trip, so just stay on the bike and keep the cranks turning!

Where: Chief Ladiga Trail, east central Alabama.
The Start (and Finish): Woodland Park, Anniston, Alabama. the start point of the trail.
The Ride: The trail, from start to the Georgia line (beginning of Silver Comet).
65.85 miles. (Yes, the long sought Metric Century!)
Time=4:49:20 13.6mph avg.
1 flat, on the roadie, not my trusty Fisher mountain bike!

The actual "Century" is yet to come.

Mr. Beanz

Darn good ride there buddy!....FYI, if you can do 65, you can do the big 100!

DelusionalDude

Thanks Mr. Beanz.
This trail has no hills to speak of, but I'm glad we finished. The local club has a sponsored ride coming up soon, I'm gonna try to do the metric on this ride too. It has actual terrain! I'm looking forward to it, but naturally, a bit apprehensive. Doing the trail was so I could get a metric on the legs, now I can think of the terrain as just psychological obstacles.

I wish it had been hotter yesterday so I would have to work on hydration and nutrition more. With my luck on the day of the ride it will be 100 degrees and everyone's dogs will be out by the side of the road!

Neil_B

Congratulations!

Mr. Beanz

Nice thinking!...I know so many riders that avoid wind, heat, and even fog, then wonder why they struggle on the simplest of rides. Heck, if it's blowing 45 mph, 100+ degrees, hills, whatever, I'm riding!

Riding on the trail has it's benefits too! Just ride!

Mazama

When I completed my first Imperial, my previous best was 40 miles. I went out to ride a Metric and ended up continuing on for the Imperial. You can do it, just plan ahead with food and water.