Last week was grueling. Tim apparently had the same issue and decided a century ride would be a good way to stay sane. Being on the edge of sanity myself, I joined him.
Heading out through Cherokee ParkAfter heading out through St. Matthews (and stopping at an ATM) we took Westport Rd out to Freys Hill Rd and through EP Tom Sawyer State Park. We eventually made our way out to Reamers Rd via Old Lagrange Rd.
Tim on Old Floydsburg RdWe had the wind at our backs and we kept up a pretty good pace for a while.
Chapel with well manicured lawnThe sky looked like it could rain. I was a little chilly in a short sleeve jersey and cycling shorts. Tim had prepared for the weather better than I.
Blues and greensAs we continued the clouds broke up and the sun warmed me.
Just a little gravelAt one point on the route Tim’s GPS disagreed with mine. We stopped and looked, but my GPS had us turning down a gravel road. It was Tim’s route, and he was free to choose the direction. He was riding his “fast” bike which isn’t necessarily ideal on gravel, but he was adventurous enough to try it. The gravel was actually rather smooth.
Brashears Creek Rd was pleasantWe stopped in Shelbyville for water and snacks. The gas station we stopped at had pork chop sandwiches. That was a nice change.
Cockpit viewBrashears Creek Rd took us to Taylorsville. We stopped first at a Dairy Queen for a burger and a Blizzard.
Brashears Creek?I also refilled my water bottles again in Taylorsville.
Tim getting passedLeaving Taylorsville meant heading northwest, into the wind, and a 1.2 mile climb up Elk Creek Rd.
Blue, Brown, and GreenAlong this stretch we were getting tired. Tim said it was his legs. My legs were fine, I just felt exhausted.
Tim shows us how he really feelsI was still in good spirits. This was a great way to spend a Friday.
Moving self-portrait (don’t try this at home)Rolling along 155 wasn’t peaceful, but at least the shoulder was wide.
Traffic on Taylorsville Lake RdIt wasn’t long before we were back in Louisville. On road had changed to one-way since Tim had last ridden it, but we were too tired to re-route, so we carefully rode the wrong way for about two blocks.
Once we were near his house, Tim peeled off to go home. I went out for a beer. I was tired, sunburned, and covered in salt, but I felt good.
This wasn’t the hardest ride I’ve ever done. It was interesting to do a century with almost no planning. I rode 109 miles. That’s my 2nd highest mileage day yet.
3 thoughts on “A Nice End To A Rough Week – Century Ride”
Wow, looks like a great day on the bike! The Acorn bag looks fantastic … I’m jealous of a nice long day of riding. How’d you get out for a century on a Friday?
My work can be flexible. I had days off accrued, so I asked for one. No problem.
Grueling work week, followed by a recovery ride seems to be my pattern lately. So I can relate to the motivation. I really need to try the “unplanned century” method one day. It appears quite effective.
Wow, looks like a great day on the bike! The Acorn bag looks fantastic … I’m jealous of a nice long day of riding. How’d you get out for a century on a Friday?
My work can be flexible. I had days off accrued, so I asked for one. No problem.
Grueling work week, followed by a recovery ride seems to be my pattern lately. So I can relate to the motivation. I really need to try the “unplanned century” method one day. It appears quite effective.