Hot Rocks 2013

8.10.13

Well, the monthly fitness events have come full circle, as I completed Hot Rocks again today. My 1st event last year was this event, and, it was my 1st cycling event ever. What a difference a year brings! This year's course was modified and extended a bit, to allow for the completion of a true 100k. I suspect that this event will be a staple on my cycling schedule, as its a great event, and it is great to see familiar faces along the way. The weather this morning was beautiful, leading to a good ride.  It was fun to ride a "familiar" course. The first several minutes of this event are a little weird, as 1000 cyclists navigate narrow roads and a series of turns, so, I hung back a bit to allow for adequate riding space.  I had forgotten how nice this ride is, as it starts out with a series of easy rolling hills, and has hard fast riding surfaces for most of the ride.  The surfaces were far better than what I'd experienced last week.  I was making great time for the 1st 50 miles, and then, I hit the wall. It was due to total ride mismanagement on my part.  Because I was feeling so good and moving so fast, I skipped most of the rest stops, and over the 1st 50, had consumed only water and two gels.  My normal intake of bananas, pickles, etc, would have come in handy.  I was pacing at about 17.5 mph until the 50 mile mark, and then slowed drastically.  As I crossed under the bridge towards the stadium, I was ready to be done, and then, reality set in. The route had been extended several more miles to allow for the true 100k. The trip down and back on John King was tough, as hills, wind, and heat made for a hard finish.  Even with the tough finish, my mph average was still the best yet for any of the organized rides over the past year.  Stats: 65.03 miles in 3:55:12. 16.6 mph and 4379 calories burned.  I'll be back for this one next year.