Ride 4 Hope Recap

I’m no roadie, although it seems I’ve ridden my road bike more than my MTB since the weather turned warm, but when Lawyer Steve mentioned weeks ago doing the Ride 4 Hope Century that took place on Saturday it sounded interesting to me. I like shooting for a goal and having something to look forward to. I didn’t figure there would be much interest from the crew but a few stepped up to the plate. Lawyer Steve backed out due to family obligations but Chris, Terry, Tim Ric, and Ken all registered. My buddy and road riding partner Don H. (who I would like to nominate for BC consideration) also registered. Having the boys committed to the ride made me happy. Mark R. was also out there with his son and nephew.

First off, this was a very well organized and well run event. Friday after work I headed down to the fairgrounds to pick-up my packet. This was in one of the A/C buildings and was set-up as an “expo”. Various bike shops had a table set-up displaying their wares. In addition different vendors were giving away “goodies.” Event staff were also serving dinner. I met Don down there and we sat down to some sliced ham, turkey, potato salad , cole slaw, baked beans, and bread. They even had a band playing on stage.

Saturday morning came early. The Century was scheduled to start rolling at 6:30. So I’m up at 4:45 to get ready and run out the door so I can go pick up Don who lives nearby. We pull into a dark fairground parking lot by 6:00. Even though it’s early I’m feeling good and am looking forward to the ride. In true Terry fashion he is already in the parking lot kitted up and on his bike. Terry made the last minute decision to sign-up for the metric century but would ride with us to Monticello.

So about 6:40 the horn sounds and the Century riders are off. Tim and Ric went off with the racer boys, but me, Terry, Chris, Don and Ken settled in with a large group of the Cheeky Monkey riders. The first 23 miles of the course was dead flat and the pace was comfortable. Chris and Terry brought their tiny bladders to the ride so before Wacissa we stop so they can have a nature break. So much for riding with the big group.

Most of the ride we are able to hook up with various people so we have at least 8-10 guys at any given time. Because of the early start the weather seemed cool for ¾ of the ride. There were sag stops everywhere so drink and food was never a worry. This was a fun ride so we never really hammered, but we did try to keep a steady tempo on the flats and just survive the hills. Terry rode really well and I have no doubt he could have finished the century if there was no worry about a neck issue. You never would have believed this was Chris’ first century as he rode really well and never showed signs of blowing up.

Although I felt I did all the right things leading up to the ride and all the right things during the ride as far as nutrition and hydration, during the last 10-15 miles during one of my pulls I started feeling my hamstrings “twitch”. I knew this meant that cramps were coming. I pulled out and tried to stretch them which seemed to work until I started pulling again. Guess I need to experiment more with something else to figure out how to keep the cramps at bay.

So me, Chris and Don cross the finish line together. Once we get into our street clothes we have lunch that was provided by the Event. Once full Don and I head to the house. When we pull into his driveway I get out to talk with him as he unloads. Just as soon as my right foot touches the ground my hamstring decides to cramp. So I’m yelling in agony in the driveway pretty much believing that the cramp will never end. Of course it does, but the hamstring is still sore today.

Anyway, it was a good event and I look forward to participating in it again next year. Great idea Lawyer Steve, hopefully next year you can join in the fun.