Rose and I traveled to Celina this morning to tackle Steve's Bobcat Bite 100k permanent. We rolled out at 9:00 am, along with seven other riders.  I rode my Stratus XP, and Rose and I rode our own pace, watching everyone else soon disappear off in the distance in front of us.  
 
It was Rose's first 100k, and the first time I've ridden that kind of distance on the SXP. Its more upright seat is less comfortable for me for a long ride than the Corsa's Euromesh seat, but it's more comfortable for this kind of distance than the Nimbus was (RANS mesh seat vs Sun EZ mesh seat). I have to work to keep up with Rose, when she's on the Xstream and I'm on the SXP.
 
This route starts in Celina, heads northeast to the next control in Howe, a bit more north, then west and south to Tioga and Pilot Point, then east back to Celina. The first leg of the route to Howe isn't very hilly, but it is a pretty steady elevation gain, and it was against a stiff northeast wind this morning, making it pretty tough for Rose and I.
 
Soon after Howe, though, we turned west and then south, and the tailwind was great. On one southbound uphill north of Gunter, we carried enough speed from the last downhill that we barely dipped below 30 mph before cresting the hill.  
 
It was tailwind fun all the way to Pilot Point, then 12 miles of boulder-seal and rolling hills against the wind to get back to Celina. Rose was starting to fade on this stretch, and struggled with those hills, but then finished her first 100k strong. Big congrats on your first 100k, Dear!  
 
I ended up with 64.2 miles, and we finished the ride in 5:30. Lunch at Lucy's afterward was great, and we really enjoyed visiting with Steve, Peggy, Mark M, Linda, and Greg after the ride. Who understands the thrill of your first 100k better than other randonneurs?  
 
Heal fast, Peggy!
 
 
Here are Rose and I after the ride.

Whoo!! Hoo!! way to go Rose!
 
Take Care,
Nelson.

I was very stoked to see Rose ride on in, and looking fresh as a daisy to boot!  Fantastic job to both the Bakers.  And to Steve.  I haven't had that much fun on a hard training ride in I don't know when.  Steve and I meshed together pretty well and did a decent job of pulling and drafting in the wind.   He usually walks away from me whenever he wants but we stayed pretty even until midway through the chipseal.  After that I was toast and he dusted me.  A great route and one I won't hesitate to do again and again.
 
By the way Steve, since you were asking about my stats.  209 average watts, with a 616 max.  147 average HR  174 max.  max speed 41.6

Thank You all for your Support!!!!!  And mostly Bud, for hanging in there with me.  The Ride was enjoyable, was doing great..till last 4 miles!!!  Them hills really took all I had left in me....but i did it!!!  As Bud and I were driving home.....we were discussing how I need to train myself on some hills.   But...i know it's something i have to do.  Took me this long to do my first 100k....and better yet.....it was Steve's route!!!  I will do another one.. somewhere sometime,  but first gotta train myself on them hills.  
 
 
 
Thank you Peggy, Steve...Mark, Linda and Gregg for joining us at Lucy's Cafe. The food was great, and company as well!  I had fun, beautiful day, not to mention was nice and cool weather at start of ride.  

Ray, we're all very proud of you!
 
Steve, I hope you're as tired and sore as I am.  I know part of it is from the constant sneezing and inability to breathe, which got worse through the day, and the meds I took to try and be able to breathe, but I wish I could stay home today!

Well then, I admit defeat.  Apparently it took everything I had and then some just to keep up with you!  You are the man!

Hey, I feel no shame in admitting defeat when I've given my best.  
 
I bet you feel like I do though - why wasn't I bitten with this bug TEN YEARS ago!?!  Or even 20?

Quote from Kwijybow on May 18^th, 2009, 1:29pm:

 
On a single speed "fixie" no less. Now you're the man!