Notes
2nd year I have done this ride. Last year it was hot. This year the weather was perfect but I got a flat after mile 75. My tire wouldn't budge from the rim so I was in despair and almost about to quit when some good Samaritan cyclists stopped and helped me with their great bike tool, hand strength and good humor. I will never forget their kindness and will pay it forward for sure one day... Thank you for letting me finish the ride.
Very rushed schedule, similar to last year. As soon as i was finished, I packed up the bike, raced to the airport and flew home. All of the training for this ride was done on the bike trainer, which incredibly worked well as I was on track with a good pace before the incident.
Side note: having huge stomach issues the week before the ride which hadn't quite resolved. The evening before the ride was not pretty. Took pepto "ultra" in the morning and fueled using gatorade/electrolyte/water and a Kind bar only. Since the ride is pretty flat with only a few rollers and not too bad climbs in the first half, this worked out ok. I think the lack of solid food was good on this day, as it allowed my system to rest. Glad I did it. Nice to get in some warm weather and outdoor riding for a change.