I felt like writing. IM Ride Recap.
6:59 Start time. Enjoyed a great tailwind for the first 22. Quick rest stop.
Miles 23 - 30 also great. Starts to sprinkle a little at mile 31. Raindrops starts at mile 32. Little Chilly.
Downpour and Lighting at 34. Can’t remember if aluminum conducts electricity.
Decided the waterproof jacket is not waterproof at mile 35.5.
Discussed lighting strikes and rest stop location with others riders at mile 36.
No one is sure about a bike's conductivity, next rest stop: mile 46 or 47. Downpour continues. 251st avenue brings a strong crosswind and hills.
Shoes fill with water at 38. Start counting down...8 miles to go.
Slow and COLD 8 miles. Fingers are frozen...can barely shift. Lighting seems to have stopped! Soaked. Tell myself this is like swimming in the rain. I love swimming in the rain. Wish the wind would stop. There is no wind in swimming.
Odometer hits 46...no rest stop. BIG hill though. Stand on petals and can’t figure out if I’m warm or numb.
Mile 47 - Still no rest stop. WTF?! Start praying it doesn't rain at IM Wisconsin.
Mile 48 - Where is the rest stop!? Try the ‘think warm thoughts’ thing. Doesn’t work. Still cold.
Mile 49. Spot the 'Welcome to Le Sueur!' sign.
Mile 50 Rest stop. Finally! Drop bike. SO COLD.
Volunteers and EMTs greet us at the door. Volunteer has to take off my gloves because my fingers don't function.
Someone says EMTs have blankets. Wring out gloves then socks. Grab coffee. SO COLD.
EMT brings me a blanket. I consider stripping off all clothing...wishes there weren't so many guys.
Find my zip lock bag with my socks and phone. Success! Stil dry! Put them on...still shivering. Volunteer tells us sag wagon on the way. I've been identified as one of the 'chosen 6,' lucky enough to get ride.
More riders start coming in. Everyone is looking miserable. Everyone wants to ride the sag wagon. See some fellow Tuesday night hill riders. They are going to warm up and then head back out to finish the last 50. I tell them they are crazy.
Van arrives so we load our bikes into van. Van's heat is on. Very warm. Feeling much better. Much warmer. Clothes are still soaking but i've stopped shivering. Just waiting on the driver.
Driver arrives. Change of plans. Van is going to pick up riders off of the road. Organizers are sending a school bus instead. So many people are cold amd want a ride. Back inside. Cold again.
30 minutes later, school bus arrives. Everyone hops on. 50 miles later we're back at Lakeville high school. We gave to ride from the high school to our cars. Wet and cold all over again. Find my dry clothes and change in may car. Much better. Much warmer.
Coldest experience of my life. But I'm glad I did it. :)
A little bummed I didn't do the fulll 100....
