I wasn't really able to get out this past week and ride like I wanted. It was a mix of being worn out from racing and weather and motivation.
On Friday Chris had an appt so I had the day off. We were home early afternoon and I headed out. I left from the Allegan State Game area parking and just found some gravel. I usually prefer to ride a loop so that I know exactly how far and which direction I am going. On this ride I didn't have a plan, so I just headed out exploring.
Eventually I hit a paved road and rode a bit north. But I turned around and headed back south, only to hit a Tee on M89. So I turned around again and then took a side road that once again hit M89. I decided to just head back the way I came and start towards the car. I ended up with 20 miles. Not a bad ride. Was great weather and decent roads. Good to be riding.
Sunday I got up and headed to Martin to do a Dirty Donut ride. In my head I was thinking the 42 mile loop. I figured I would see how I was feeling at the turn. The decision corner is at mile 15. Going straight keeps you on the longer courses, but turning right puts you only 6 miles from the end.
As usual on this course, there was a minor wind. But the weather was perfect when I started. It was sunny and around 60 degrees. I kicked out of Martin and made the turn towards the Drag Strip. I was feeling pretty good as the miles started to pass. I settled into my pace and just checked out mentally. There are bright spots for gravel. You don't need the focus as much as when mountain biking. You can just roll and let your brain wander.
I was thinking of course descriptions and how I would narrate a turn by turn video of the course. Or at least the turns, with videos and ques to let people know where they are. But this course isn't difficult to follow. The first 12 miles are very flat. There are a few climbs on 118th, but the nasty climb comes just before mile 15. Short and steep. gross.
After I cleared that climb I had a decision to make. Part of me wanted to just turn off and head back to the car. But the endurance side of me screamed "JUST DO THE LONG COURSE". So I pressed onward. The majority of the climbing is in the middle of the course. So the next 10ish miles are hilly. Nothing terrible.
Eventually I passed through Hopkins. Then I could see the Casino to the East. This is a marker to let you know you are closing in on the finish. There are roughly 10 miles to finish when the New hotel comes into view.
I pressed on and reached the main road back into Martin. I finally got back to my car. Looking at my time I was a lot faster than my last attempt on this route. That day it was cold and more windy. I remember a terrible headwind for the first 25 miles. This ride was much better, with a higher average speed. It was actually 1.2mph faster than the previous ride. I will take that for sure.
The gravel was a mix of solid concrete style dirt, loose sandy sections, normal gravel, and a lot of washboard. My arms were actually getting more fatigued than my legs. While I was slowing down because of endurance, it was my arms that were giving me fits. lol. I am really glad I reconsidered my centuries this year. I am still building to the longer distances, but I am far from ready to do 100 at this point. I will get there, but I know its a work in progress.
Overall it was a good couple days of riding. We enjoyed time with the family for Mother's Day on Sunday. I hope you all got out to ride or to do what you enjoy!
Island lake is just under 3 weeks out.
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