Wow! What a great event. 23 riders (22 men, 1 woman) toed the line for our first 200K (125 mile) event of the year in Edwardsville IL. Morning temperatures were in the mid to upper 30’s with afternoon temperatures getting into the mid-50’s.
The story of the day was not the temperatures, but the wind. I have said it over and over again, ‘what we lack in hills we more than make up for in wind’. This was true once again as we headed east for 30 miles into a cross headwind then south for another 47 miles into Okawville (our turn around point).
Being the first event of the season, my legs were burning and screaming as I pulled into Okawville, mile 78 and I was so thankful that I am healthy enough to be able to have sore legs from a ride. Just imagine what you would give for a day of headwinds and sore legs if you were no longer healthy enough to ride.
What we had been fighting all day should have become our friend. Should have, but… didn’t happen. That SSE wind became an easterly wind. This change still was nice heading out of Okawville and back into New Baden. The northern leg back to Marine IL was cross winds, but the final 11 miles heading west along Fruit Road was sheer bliss with a strong tailwind. After 115 miles, I was cruising along at 20+ mph, and I heard other riders saying they had stretches up to 28 mph there.
April 10 is the next date on the brevet calendar, and we will be holding two events, a 200K and a 300K. Registration is 5:00AM to 5:45AM with a ride start time of 6:00AM. Front and rear lights, along with reflective vest/belt and reflective ankle bands are required. I look forward to seeing you there.
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