Line up time just behind the 100K barrier. Look like neat rows?
Nope. Street was packed.
Dorothy was the only one I knew at the start line. Although she lined up with the 100K, I saw a picture of her on facebook that looked like she was at Hell's Gate. Haven't seen her since to find out what route she took.
OK. It's easy to smile at the start. Luckily, no one took my picture at the finish.
Off we go. I waited until we spread out a bit before chancing a photo.
The first part of the ride was "easy" as it was a slight decline and the wind was with us.
Later we got into rolling hills but it was still easy to maintain a 17 mph average.
Rest stop 2. I went past No.1 and did not take a picture as the road and area were bunched up with cyclists. Rest stop 2 also was bunched up. When I looked at all the lines for everything, I just got back on the bike and headed for No.3.
Rest stop 3. Crowded but manageable.
The temperature was just beginning to heat up and started taking a toll on some riders.
"And the skies are not cloudy all day." But inclines continued as well as the wind.
False flat but not too taxing.
Rest stop 4.
This was the crossroads stop. The 50 milers come in from the left, and the 100K go straight ahead. Both routes are the same from this point.
Wonderful scenery. The mesquites are almost head high.
Well, I would have had to gotten a lot closer to capture the rugged look of these two. At first sight I thought they were bison, but they were just tough, shaggy cows.
Pump jack alley. I thought with the pick up of oil activity some of the jacks would have been put into use. However, the number of jacks seemed to be the same as past years.
Up and into a healthy crosswind.
Very little shade on the whole route, so if it were spotted, one took advantage of it.
After Burkburnett, we started a loooong incline into the wind.
Still at the beginning of the climb.
Wind and heat got the best of some, and the friendly SAG driver had some customers.
And the beat goes on.
So does the heat. Up ahead is an "unofficial" rest stop as there is shade. My Garmin registered that the high of the ride was 109°. Heat from above and reflected heat, but still... Some years back the picnic tables were removed from this location, but it does not stop the riders from enjoying the shady respite.
People were struggling up the incline and against the wind, but the guy in front passed me--and everyone else. I latched on to him as he was going 15 mph. I pulled up beside him and let him know that I was drafting and that if he got tired to peel off and I would take over. He just looked at me and said, "We only have an hour to go," and he continued his pace.
As we rolled up to Rest stop 5, I thanked him. He continued while I went to a needed rest.
Am I dipsy at this point? See the tall guy straight in front of me? I didn't see him. It wasn't until I downloaded my photos that I discovered it was Mel from San Angelo. Hi Mel.
How hard was the wind blowing? This hard, and we had a few more miles straight into the wind.
And the strong guy was way down the road by now.
Pictures are supposed to have contrast to make them interesting. Well, I call this short and tall. The guy on the recumbent is almost on the ground. The rider in the yellow jersey in front had to have been 6'4". You have to excuse me, I already have said I was dipsy.
Entering Shepard AFB, one of the highlights of the ride.
Lots of planes on display.
The baby of the bunch.
Reminds me of the traditional saying, "Come and git it".
Daddy?
Big boss?
Shepard also had a hospitality stop and airmen were eager to assist and hold the bikes while riders refreshed.
The welcome gauntlet of Airmen. They stand out in the hot sun and cheer riders on. When I got closer to them I took what I thought would be great shots. Turned out I photographed the pavement, the sky, and my handlebar. So much for my point and shoot accuracy. Need more practice.
Leaving Shepard AFB and heading for the home stretch.
Chip time was documented here but the unofficial finish line was the yellow and white inflated tube overhead in the distance.
Ah. The finish line.
Bike was tired and had to lean on car. Just lift me up, latch me down, rest a few days, and ready to ride again. Fort Davis Cyclefest in September is the next formal challenge.
PS: Even though the bike was tired, it allowed me to finish 1st in my age group, and I kept stopping and smelling the flowers. I salute the other person in my age group. Although 2 hours behind me, he finished!!
