New Adventure-Holland 100

Well, the date was, Saturday, July 17, 2010. . . .
I got up early to be ready for Jen's arrival at 5:15am. We were headed to pick up Denise. We would be headed for my first bike ride over 65 miles. There was excitement, nervousness, and fun ahead of us. Could I finish 100 miles when the farthest I had ever rode before was 65 miles. We had attempted a 50 mile training ride but got sidelined but a flat tube.

. . .the flat tube --we can do this. Off with the flat, on with new tube #1, tire lever punctures, remove tube #1, and try again. We are not going to let a flat ruin our ride. So in with tube #2, tire back on, CO2 cartridge ready, puncture with adaptor thingy (I don't think it punctured; wait this looks like a used catridge), CO2 catridge #2 on put to valve and inflate BOOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! there goes with a loud pop tube #2. Okay the tire wins and we call for a ride. Thank you Jim for coming to save us. . .

We arrive in Holland at the Greenhouse and go to the bathroom, check-in, and Denise replaces a flat tube. Good we have the flat out of the way before we leave. I sure hope this is the last one for the day. We are off at a little past 7am. We started down the lane in the wrong direction but were re-directed by the volunteer. We are off and headed to the first stop which will be around mile 27 for pancake breakfast. This is also where we will join our other riding buddy, Susan. We are almost to the pancakes when we come upon a crash. We stop to see what help we can provide. One gentleman cut his chin open and looked like he would need stitches. The other guy was worse off. He had road rash on his shoulder which also appeared to be dislocated. This made you a little nervous about riding.

We then met up with Susan at the pancake breakfast. It was great to all be together! We ate our pancakes and fruit and drank some juice. We then got ready to go after taking a picture of our great group.

So then it was on to the next stop. The next stop provided us with pb&j sandwiches, apple slices, peanut butter, Gatorade refills, and water. Oh yeah and the great port-a-pots. As much as I hate them, sometimes they are a necessity. Then we are on the road again. I believe it was sometime after this stop that we were joined by a new friend whose name we learn is Tim. He became our new riding partner for the rest of the trip.

I got to stop in a cemetary for a break to relieve a hot spot on one of my feet. We shared a few corny jokes before hoping back on the bikes. The next stop was way tooooo far.We ended up running out of fluid and needing to find a stop. It felt like the corner store was forever too. We finally found it and stopped for a large Gatorade bottle and some VERY yummy, salty potato chips. Chips have never tasted so good! Then it is back on the bikes!

The next stop had yummy tortilla sandwiches and watermelon. Jen was so wanting to jump into some water. We were so hot. I am pretty sure at this point my back was already beginning to cook. Our next stop would be in Saugatauk. Yummy Oreos and refill on Gatorade. This was the final stop and we were headed in for the final stretch. It was great to know that we were coming to the end. It had been a long day and a long 100 miles. Which actually ended up being 102.2 miles!

So what a fun day! Would I do it again? You bet I would!