Hurt, Pain, and Agony

Earned it's name. I was able to muster a performance good enough for 27th, Erich in 16th. On the way up Frank Parkway and Oklahoma things quickly stretched out and there was one group ahead of the Mafia. We were being realistic and decided to let them go and join in on the second. Once we made it to the top of the big climb it was many miles of big rollers. We were on the Parkway for a little while rocking along at a good clip with about ten riders. As the ride continued, we picked up some stragglers from the lead group, dropped some of our group. All in all, the core of the riders consisted of Erich, another PRP guy (good to meet you Bryan), the Saddleblock boys (Kenneth, Scott, and Brad) and I. After about 40 miles, most all of us were hurting for water in the 90 degree heat, so we actually STOPPED at a rest stop. WHA? We made a three minute refill and were back on the road. After about another ten miles we were faced with the final hefty climb of the day in Mahogany Rock. At the base of the climb I was getting some cramps going in my Sartorius muslces and had to hang back a bit. I should have just manned up and kept the pace up to stick with Saddleblock and E, but I was in the pain cave and couldn't find my way out. Once back up to the Parkway and having worked through my cramps, I could see Saddleblock in the distance. My concerted efforts to bridge up to them were met with more misery and it was not to be. I finished the final 15ish miles or so relatively by myself in total survival mode. Rolling back down Oklahoma and Frank Pkwy I was close to 50mph again and came in with a finish time of 3:41. Erich attacked on the final climb on US21 and finished in 3:36 with the Saddleblock boys in between us. The gap between 15th and 27th: 5 minutes.

Overall this was one of the best supported rides I have been to with a great cause (The American Cancer Society). While I was riding, some of my thoughts drifted to those that I know that are in their fight with cancer. While thinking that hard rides are an accomplishment and a "feat of strength," I was reminded that the struggles that others face make my "hard ride" seem like a stroll in the park.