A century ride(100 miles) has been a goal of mine for the year. I built up with some solo rides here and there in the summer mostly topping out around 60 miles or so. While that is a pretty good ride it leaves a fair amount to go. With my sisters wedding out of the way I felt more comfortable with having my Mom watch the kids for an extended bit and began looking for an organized century to ride. There was some banter on the LBC list which turned out to be a joke indicating the Crestwood Killer was fine for first time century riders. Oddly I accepted this at face value, made the arrangements and announced to my friend that I was riding it. This was a Sunday night. By Tuesday the jokes were revealed and I began to second guess myself. I emailed the Ride Captain and asked him if I was crazy to attempt the ride and if I would be shunned as a noob who was way in over his head. He replied that it likely wasn’t the best idea but if I showed I would be welcomed not shunned. I spent the week thinking about it and resigned myself fully to do it by Friday. I examined some bailout routes and even talked about a possible car pick up if I needed to bail.
So what is it that’s so killer about this ride? Outside of the significant distance of 106 miles there are 6 good size climbs of around 500 feet in vertical climb. Three of the climbs come at 70 miles and beyond. On top of that the last 10-15 miles are a no-fun picnic of rollers and at least one additional slog that leaves you wondering why it doesn’t make the list. Here is the route and elevation profile:
I got everything ready the night before. I had my bike tuned up and made ready to ride. I mostly riding a Bianchi Brava I picked up off of the aforementioned LBC list for a nice price. I added some Celeste tires and other necessities and it is riding good. Here’s a pic:
The weather was looking to be clear and reasonable windless but cold. The departure temperature was to be 32 rising to 52. I set all of the appropriate gear out and set off to bed. Sleep did not come easily of well. I was wracked with nervousness. I got up early with my wife and made breakfast and coffee. I ate a good size egg breakfast and then packed 2 Clif bars, gatorade, and water. I did not want to end up having ride problems due to not eating or drinking enough.
There were plenty of people in the lot when I arrived and I would say there must have been close to 30 people who showed up to ride. The RC gave some introduction to the ride and directions on the cue sheet and we set off. He asked if this was the first time for anyone riding this route and I and several raised our hands. Then someone made a joke about it being their first century and then they laughed. I didn’t say anything and just started to ride.
