Slightly windy with a chance of rain...

Saturday morning our group had a recon session planned for the Musselman Half Iron bike course.  We were to meet at the Geneva Chamber of Commerce and depart at 0930 for a relatively spirited ride.


Friday afternoon, we all had hopes that the forecast would change to show unexpectedly-beautiful conditions on our adventure, but instead the forecast read:


Saturday:  100% chance of rain, heavy at times.  Winds gusty from the southeast at 40 mph with occasional gusts to 50 mph.  Temperatures in the low 40's.


Oh good heavens.  What have we done?


Saturday morning began with the sounds of whistling winds, pelting rains, and something in the air that looked distinctly like snow flakes.  Even Watts (our black Lab) was unnerved by the epic conditions as he ventured out for his morning walk.  In keeping with our motto to continue the mission (or "Charlie Mike"), we decided to go ahead and ride the course!


Danielle Ohlson also pulled into the Chamber of Commerce and was ready to get the adventure started.  We did have several hiccups in the first several miles that included a dropped chain that knocked out a power meter magnet and a wipeout from getting a tire caught in one of the cracks in the shoulder of the road.  Thankfully no one was injured and we were on our way.


Here's a summary of my thoughts on what turned out to be a 3.5 hour ride:


Hour 1 - This isn't so bad, but my torso is sweating profusely while my feet are cold.  Probably should eat some nutrition, but these gloves are so bulky.  Cool road spray that douses me when cars go by!  Ha ha!  I'm already wet!


Hour 2 - Feet going numb.  Really don't want to eat because I might have to take off these gloves.  MAN these roads are hammered in places.  Time to drink, but continually fighting to stay in control.  Wow!  Rain stopped and it's actually getting nice out!  I think the wind gusts are down to 30 mph!


Hour 3 - This tailwind is AWESOME!  Riding through the park is the best part with 30 mph tailwinds!  Nutrition going well...feet don't hurt any more, but I think my toe fell off 15 miles back.  Might try to drive back later and find it.


All said, this was a character-building exercise and a great example of not giving up!  Thanks to Lauren, Chuck, Alvah, Eric and Danielle for showing up and having great attitudes.  It sure makes the time go much more quickly when you've got a great group to train and share memories after the event.  As they say in the Marine Corps to describe someone who's the hardest of the hard core - 


"They're as hard as woodpecker lips"!

The flag wasn't broken when we showed up...