So how was the Tour De Argyle????

Tour d Argyle was a good time and well orgainized.  Ray said much of the route was similar to the mid-cites RBENT ride he help sponsor.  I also this ride. but I found it challenging.  The “HillTOP” hill caught me off guard.  Its one of those sneaky steep hills with a curvy road that hides the hill's evilness. Ray warned us that it was on the route, but he estimated it was about 5 miles out.  Well the “HillTOP” hill  was actually 2.5 miles out.  It was the first time I went up a significant steep hill (12% grade) with my Baron.  And It was the first time I used my low gears.   About half way up the hill I saw the first curve and I realized hat this was “”HILLTOP”.  I lost my rhythm and I realized the middle gear wasn’t going to work.   So I dropped down into the low gears. I lost good form and began to pump away flaying my feet with brute strength.  My speed dropped to about 5mph.   Under 7mph my Baron is hard to control.  But I was stubborn and pushed on.  No way I wanted to be a recumbent guy who wimped out and walked his bike up the hill 2 miles into a pay ride!  Horary!  I made it to the top.  I was really wiped out after that monumental effort.   Subsequently I was dropped by Ray and Mark, so I cancelled the 100K and spent the next 41 miles doing a recovery ride.  
 
The remainder of the route had rolling hills and sharp  turns.  I shifted my gears more then I have on any other ride, plus I had to learn to lean on these fast turns.   I chickened out  several times and applied my brakes.  I hate using my brakes.  Since it takes my organic energy to get going, I certainly don’t want to waist my energy and use my break.   There was at least one sharp curve with a huge nasty pot hole in the apex section.  The ride officials did a good job tagging the hole with spray paint.  But hey at 25mph+ on a blind curve to a pot hole is a dangerous situation.  I was glad I slowed down for that curve!
 
When the 100K route merged back with the 37mile route.  I turned around and began pedaling the 100K backward until I found Mark.  Then I followed him to the  finish.  Mark is a real animal.  He was only a few minutes behind the lead paceline.  
 
I take this experience as challenge to improve myself and gain some hill climbing power, (and gain more confidence with fast  turns).   I should do better If I keep good form.  Defined as digging my shoulders into the carbon-seat,  keeping a high spin while properly downshifting to maintain a good power curve.   Hill Training!  
 
Mark put a few photos and a video of Tour d Argyle on his blog:  http://www.lifeonabaron.blogspot.com/
 
Terry