Fenderlust

Today was the NC Bike Club's 300K RUSA brevet from Morrisville to Seagrove and back. We didn't ride. We hung around at the halfway turnaround point at the Quick Check convenience store in Seagrove. We greeted the riders and made snarky comments.
- We encouraged them: "Only 90 miles to go".
- We offered waterproof sunblock: "It won't run off in the rain".
- And later in the day: "I bet the fast riders are already done!"
I had a great time. It was almost like riding. I got sunburned, and I ate lots of food from the convenience store. On the other hand, my bottom doesn't hurt at all.

Here's a photo of Geof's new wooden fender. He saw Jerry's new fenders a few weeks ago, and just HAD to get one for his own bike. Jayjay called it "fenderlust". (Click on the little photo to embiggen.)

Oh, and while the randos were biking toward Seagrove, we stopped at a miniature railroad I helped to build some years ago. It's fun to keep in touch with earlier hobbies.

Here are my still photos, and here are video1 and video2 from the start.

Other reports: Branson, Doc, Yungfalbz, Mike/RTP, BikerBob, Tidewater

Big congrats to all the riders.

What Rando Women Want

Jayjay and I rode the NC Bike Club's 200K RUSA brevet yesterday, from Morrisville to Siler City and back. The weather was absolutely incredible, we had no mechanicals, and I got up close and personal with only one dog.

Jayjay had a bout of leg cramps, but soldiered on to the next convenience store where she downed some V8 juice as recommended by Rando Dean, and chugged some mustard as recommended by the People's Pharmacy radio show. They worked magic. And the mustard bottle matched her vest. And shoes. And it fit in her bottle cage. (click the thumbnail photo for a bigger view.)

This was our first 'hilly' event with 7800 ft of climbing, yet we finished within the same time range as our 200k flat permanents. I can't explain it. It was certainly not the comraderie, elan, and encouragement from the real randos, since the pack was out of our sight shortly after the start. And we are no fitter, and our bikes are no lighter. No idea why.

About mile 80, we were slogging up some rollers when we spotted ride volunteer Yungfalbz driving past us in her truck. I teased Jayjay that she would be stopping at the next grassy knoll to set out sparkling water, brie, and lawn chairs, and would be giving shoulder massages. This got Jayjay to sprint up a few hills, but eventually she realized I was teasing.

Finally, at the convenience store on 15-501, a young employee was staring at our bikes when I walked outside. She said she wished she could ride again, but she was 25 years old and had 50 year old knees. "Fear not", I encouraged her, I am 50 years old, I have 50 year old knees, and I am out riding all day today. She didn't buy it.

Many thanks to Fearless Leader (and RBA) Al and volunteer Yungfalbz for doing the check ride Thursday and supporting the ride today, and thanks to everyone who hung around at the finish to welcome us as we brought in the red lantern.

PS: a very few photos from me. I wasn't thinking about photos on this hilly ride.
Here are some photos by YungFalbz,
And here are report1 from RTP, report2 from RTP, report3 from Tidewater, report4 from Doc, report5 from Chuck...

PS2: Oh, and thanks to whoever left a half-full gallon jug of water on the garbage can outside the convenience store in Siler City. I chugged it. Can you imagine? I sure hope you were a rando!

Mike D does first C-100

Back in December, Raleigh rando Mike D casually mentioned that he had just completed his eighth year of riding at least one century per month. A little math predicted he would hit his 100th consecutive month of centuries in April. To no one's surprise, Mike did the NC flèche this weekend and kept the streak going.

I often encourage my young hunk friends to never stop exercising. I tell them fitness is measured in years, not pounds. Mike goes beyond words of encouragement and sets an amazing example of persistence.

An incredible accomplishment. Big congrats to Mike on his first C-100.

...similar story at RTP

Update April 9: Thanks to Maile N for this great photo of Mike at mile 100, and for the rest of her flèche photos: Maile's Photos.