100 miles of ups and downs

I’ve been at a loss for writing up my century ride. I figure I’ll spare you the mile-by-mile report and just focus on a the ups and downs. In 100 mikes, one experiences A LOT of them: mentally, physically, and topographically. I’ll just hit the main ones here and, in all likelihood, sprinkle a bit more about the ride throughout the week.

Downs

• I was plagued early on with the return of back pain
• As the ride continued, other parts of my body cried out in the choir of pain, pain, pain
• We rode past the vineyards of Napa but I did not taste a single drop of wine
• There were hills: VERY BIG, LONG HILLS

Ups

• I got to experience riding in a real pace line
• I tackled those BIG hills with only a little whining
• I stayed relaxed and even enjoyed the descents
• I was not alone
• I FINISHED