Today started off early. We woke up at five, groggily preparing our gear, double checking supplies and eventually getting on the road. The drive to the start line was slow, hundreds of cars with bikes on or behind them, queued up down the Seattle streets. We arrived at the University of Washington parking lot a little later than we hoped. We pulled our bikes off the roof rack and began to don them with their numbers and doublecheck that we had everything. Hordes of cyclists darted around, the continual sound of shoes clipping in and out of pedals.
It was nearing 7:20 when we began, nearly an hour later than we hoped. The total amount of riders for this event was hovering around 10,000. It was a floating start, with some leaving as early as 4:30 am and other as late as 8:00 am. We pulled out the starting gate amongst the throngs of people. We rode through the barely awakened Seattle neighborhood, slowly coming to grips with the reality that we would be on these bike for several hours.
This was my first time ever doing a group ride. Perhaps I should have started with something a little smaller, a local century ride perhaps? I also have not ridden a road bike much as I have only had the bike since last October. In fact, I just installed clipless pedals the day before we left, my cohort chiding me that I would fall over as I was not used to having to unlock my shoes from the pedals. Nonetheless, I was here and I was riding.
The first 25 miles were slow with the masses of people, with different speeds and capabilities. The first rest stop at Kent was well received as I needed a restroom break. it was sponsored by REI, music thumping and many great refueling treats waiting by. We set off from the stop ready to start getting up to pace. We quickly were finding out that the lower elevation was working in our favor and we were cruising. Even the hills seemed inconsequential to us as we’re knocking them out at 20 miles per hour, blowing past literally thousands of people. We eventually settled into a group of riders with a slightly slower, but more sustainable pace that got us to the half way point.
We refueled a little faster, enjoying a free Jamba Juice smoothie and some orange slices. We set out on the road hoping to continue with the pack we left off with as they were leaving at the same time. We rode with them for a few miles until one of them had an accident, what I assume to be a clipping incident. We eventually found a new group, but due to some ill timed red lights and congestion, I fell behind my partner. I rode semi-alone for the rest of the ride. At one point there was this wonderful bike path that stretched on for many miles. The surface was smooth so it made the environment a little erie. All you could hear is the air rising past your ears with the occasional sound of braking or the clicking noise that many bikes make when they coast. As you were passing or being passed, the phrase “on your left” was uttered to warn of passing. During my time on this path I was typically the faster ride, passing more than being passed. This lead to a group of people latching onto my train. I looked back expecting to see one, maybe two fellow riders, but was surprised to see seven others riding along.
The final miles wore on slowly. With 25 miles to go, my seat decided to shift, not terribly, but not comfortably either. I pulled off to tweak my seat, prolonging my ride time and the satisfaction of finishing for the day. I finished 100 miles with a ride time of 6 hours and a total time of seven hours due to stops. Pretty good considering the farthest I’ve ever gone is 50 miles!
After checking my bike in, getting my bag and setting up the tent, we headed around town to find a place to eat, eventually deciding on a Mexican joint a few blocks away. The food was great and just what we needed. I made a few phone calls, most of which included the question of “how’s your butt?” (sore, if you wanted to know). While making those phone calls I decided it would be a good idea to charge my phone and camera. Unfortunately, power outlets are a little scarce while tent camping which resulted in me hovering next to one of the few recepticals I could find on the exterior off the locked buildings that surrounded our temporary camp site.
Well tomorrow is a big day filled with another 100 miles. Hopefully rest brings me back up to full and I can be in Portland by 1:00pm. Let’s see what tomorrow brings!
