60 Mile Ride

This is early in the bike ride near one of the state parks.

I'm behind here and still writing about last weekend. It was truly a great weekend, no time spent at work, a fun day out and about with my husband and then the farthest bike ride of the year on a pretty nice day.

Much of it was along the lake.  I was alone so could go at whatever pace I wanted and stop when I wanted.  I had enough snacks for at least 60 miles and knew I wanted to go farther than 56, my last long ride distance.  The route I was taking was around 50 so I planned a few places where I could add a few miles.

I think I have taken this shot before. You come over a hill after being

on a dirt road for a bit with no special scenery and then

you see this.

I did need to go to the bathroom early on and managed to find a spot "off the road - sort of" and thankfully no cars came along.  I wasn't sure how far south I went but I kept riding until I came to a dirt road and knew that wasn't the route I wanted.  I was on a road I have ridden on and it had been awhile since I had been there.  I knew I wanted to cross the Champlain Bridge and I planned to add some miles in New York before I headed back into Vermont.

I always unclip when crossing the bridge. Riding in a small space

makes me a bit nervous.  

I am lying on the grass, relaxing when someone near me 

finds a snake. I decide I am quite rested and jump up and get

on my way.

Another score of a very clean port a let before I leave Crown Point, New York.  I know I have about 20 miles left but am not feeling tired yet, just glad to be out there riding. Last time I rode by Goodies I think it had just opened and the line was huge so I didn't stop but today it was just a few people so I stop for a creemee.

I get back to my car and I am not quite at 60 miles but I ride for a half mile or so in the parking lot (I can't be the only person who does this) until I reach 60. I have only gone 4 miles farther than last time but I am not overly tired and think I could do more!  A good way to end.

Something has come up sooner rather than later.  Last year I had the goal of riding a century but then I broke my wrist and never got my mileage quite back up there. But I saw that in less than two weeks there is a ride in the Islands where I love to ride.  There are choices of 25, 50, 70 and 100.  I have done all the rides except the 100 one although I think I have ridden almost all the route at different times. I really wanted more miles under my belt before I attempted a century but

• I love riding in the Islands and that is the location
• It is flat (until the last 15 or so)
• It is inexpensive
• You get a t-shirt (I have no bike ride t-shirts)
• There are aid stations
• There are sag wagons

I do know other people doing it but they are doing different distances so I won't be seeing them as I think we start at different times. Or they are much faster and I won't be seeing them.  The ride coordinator assured me time didn't matter and I wouldn't be holding anyone up. They want people to enjoy the day and the islands. So I signed up and I am going to attempt it. Yikes!