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ride reports

The Almost (not really) ride report from the WTF185.

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Short version – didn’t make it. Managed 130 miles, but that wasn’t the deal. Disappointed, and imagine I’ll need to go back and give it another shot. As Carlo mentioned (also finishing at about 130) the next day…. “I feel so unfulfilled.” Totally sums it up.

Epic stuff, great companions and I’ll be better prepared next time! (May be next year at the rate things are going)

About 75 miles in started having some trouble with my right knee. Odd, as I’d not ever had knee problems before and had more than that mileage a number of times this year. Annoying, but manageable. By about 100 miles I was also having achilles pain in my right leg. The hurt combined with our overall pace (not fast enough) was conspiring to have some of us talking about only doing Cumberland to Brunswick, MD.

Around 107 miles or so I hit a root (poorly) which put me on my ass before I knew what happened. Literally no notice. Joe was kind, and expressed his surprise as he ran over me and my bike. To be fair, we were lying prone directly in front of him, but I appreciate that he made it obvious he wasn’t aiming for me or anything. (Sorry Joe.)

Add some bleeding to the left leg, steady pain from the right and I’m ready to acknowledge this isn’t the day. (Turns out it may have been more adult like than I’m known for – it’s six weeks later and I’m still having achilles trouble.)

Here’s some photos regardless – as noted it was an awesome experience and I’ll be better prepared next time!

Early and eager - aiming for a 4am departure. Called it about 4:50 in actuality.
Early and eager – aiming for a 4am departure. Called it about 4:50 in actuality.
Some things you may need to stop for.
Some things you may need to stop for.
Yeah, dawn is a pretty awesome time to be on a bike.
Yeah dawn is a pretty awesome time to be on a bike.
Majical! Really. No, seriously this was awesome. Could see it coming for a bit, which just heightened the anticipation.
Majical! Really. No seriously this was awesome. Could see it coming for a bit, which just heightened the anticipation.
It is 7:30am. Plenty of time to find some mud yet.
It’s 7:30am. Plenty of time to find some mud yet.
Paw Paw tunnel. Neat but more hype than substance.
Paw Paw tunnel. Neat, but more hype than substance.
This was our favorite rest stop of the day. Obviously.
This was our favorite rest stop of the day. Obviously.
It's 8:50am. Think we have found a bit of the mud.
It’s 8:50am. Think we’ve found a bit of the mud.
Get used to this view. You'll be seeing a lot of it.
Get used to this view. You’ll be seeing a lot of it.
Minor flooding. Trail should still be here somewhere, right? (Elizabeth had no hesitation on ignoring the detour signs. Found three of these wading opportunities for us. Thx!)
Minor flooding. Trail should still be here somewhere, right? (Elizabeth had no hesitation on ignoring the detour signs. Found three of these wading opportunities for us. Thx!)
Then again, this is the alternate view. Is ok, yes?
Then again, this is the alternate view. Is ok, yes?
Pavement was pretty nice at times. Coasting was something I learned to miss.
Pavement was pretty nice at times. Coasting was something I learned to miss.
Throw some blood in with the mud. Appreciating all the new pink skin this ride gifted me.
Throw some blood in with the mud. Appreciating all the new pink skin this ride gifted me.