86.2 miles
Total to Date:
782.0 miles
So much for "relatively non-hilly territory!" I honestly don't remember who told me that, or whether anyone really told me that in the first place, but it was definitely wrong. This ride through beautiful, scenic Monmouth County, NJ - especially the fourteen miles from the final rest stop to the finish line - was exceptionally challenging. I'm exhausted, but I'm absolutely elated at how well I did. Once again, this is now the longest single day of riding I've done in twelve years - and for a ride that hilly, especially when the worst hills are at the end, I'm delighted not to have gotten off my bike except for official rest stops.
The weather was also dead-solid perfect; sunny with barely a cloud in the sky, high in the upper 70s. And I have to say, this ride was degrees of magnitude better organized, better executed, and the route better marked, than the NYC Century a couple of weeks ago. Transportation Alternatives could certainly learn something from Bike New York, who for some reason produces the Twin Lights Ride. Amusingly, I once again ran into my old friend Mark, who was once again doing the 50-mile route with his friend.
My back and neck still need work. My knee is understandably sore, but strong and intact. I will absolutely sleep well tonight.
Photo 1: Harvey, Bubbles, Hollywood, Fatima, Your Narrator. Photo 2: Harvey's, Bubbles's, Hollywood's, and Fatima's asses.
