When I volunteered to do this day’s journal, I had no idea if I would actually be successful in completing the ride. The trip directions indicated it would be a 98 mile ride, but we were warned that it would likely end up being over 100 miles – known to cyclists as a “Century Ride.” I previously felt I barely made the 84-mile day we had and now the plan was for 100+. From the start, I knew there was a chance I would shed some tears of frustration. Oh, Lord!

Since I am one of the slower riders, I was up and out by 5:30 a.m. The morning temperatures were very cool and it stayed cool for a good part of the day. Fortunately, the 100-mile ride was broken down into sections based on where we were scheduled to have a rest stop. This actually makes the ride easier since it gives smaller goals to reach rather than getting overwhelmed with the full 100-miles.

With our first rest stop scheduled at mile 23, I set off following Route 50 from Salida in the direction of Pueblo. The road was relatively flat with some rolling hills followed by down hills. The road curved along the Arkansas River for the first part as we wand our way through the mountains. We passed through the little towns of Swissvale, Howard and Cotopaxi, which were all still asleep from the looks of them as I rode through. It was a beautiful ride accompanied by the peaceful sound of the Arkansas River flowing over the rocks that made a feeble and unsuccessful attempt to stop the waters progress.

Immediately after the first rest stop, the trip directions called for a right turn on to County Road 1A. With this turn, it started a gradual uphill ride that lasted close to 20 miles. I am not good at even the slightest up hill incline so this part of the ride was slow. But, I consider myself to be somewhat of a tortoise or turtle, a creature I see as being slow but steady – who eventually gets there’s even if it takes longer than the others, who move with much greater speed.

We were ride up hill to an elevation of about 9,000 feet. As I slowly made my way up, the other riders began to pass me, one to three at a time. Our destination for this second part of the trip was the town of Westcliffe and the parish of Our Lady of Assumption. We were due there between 10:00 a.m. and 12 noon. As a approached the town with less then 10 miles to go I was joined by Chad, the 31 year old school teacher from San Francisco. I believe he must be a great teacher because he has been very good in giving me support in those times he was around as I broke down with tears of frustration.

As we road towards Westcliffe, Chad informed me that we had already been to the 9,000 feet point and were on our way down. I must be taking these hills better because I thought the 9,000 feet point must surely still be ahead of us. I was thrilled it was already behind us. And further thrilled that the parishioners of Our Lady of Assumption had a wonderful lunch prepared and ready for us as we arrived. The bell tower was even playing music as we cycled in. The parishioners were so inviting and just wonderful. We’ve met so many wonderful people along the way.

Although the ladies at the church said our remaining 55 miles would be mostly down hill and flat, they were wrong. Upon leaving Westcliffe, we road about 12 miles up again; during which, I frequently stopped for a rest. But once I got to the top, there was a great down hill – I’ve come to love the down hills. The only negative part about this down hill was the head wind that slowed my speed as I coasted down. It was otherwise great and took me all the way to our third rest stop at mile 73 in a little town called Wetmore. There was now less than 30 miles to go.

The last 30-mile section unfortunately was accompanied by a head wind again so the ride was going slow for me. The road took on the characteristics of a gradual roller coaster – ride a little up hill and coast down hill – with stretches of fairly flat road in between. When I was about 12 miles out of Pueblo, I saw Lee Anne drive up in one of the support cars, the SAG. I must admit I was disappointed in seeing her because I thought she was there to pick me up because I was going to slow and needed to be at the destination faster. I was actually relieved that she was there only to check on me as well as another cyclist, John, who was shortly behind me. She supplied us with more water and let us know there was still time to get in on our own power.

And I did – I arrived at the destination at 5:03 p.m. I had ridden 103.03 miles according to my odometer. More importantly, I never cried those tears of frustration I had expected when I began the day. I completed my first “Century” and it felt good. But, don’t take this wrong – just because it felt good to complete the full Century Ride doesn’t mean I have come to love cycling. I’d still much rather be on my Harley! BUT I DID IT!

Brenda Rascher