Don't believe the hype

Century #6 - The Vine Ride - started under cool conditions and cloudy skies, much like last week at the Tour de Stake. The difference for me was the approach to the ride. Last week was all about pain; this week was about the journey.

OB12OLD, the C and I started together with little fanfare at a little after 7 AM, riding on many roads that we'd been on before, either on a Saturday ride, an organized event, or driving. The biggest question about the ride was the 30 miles between mile 30 and mile 60. The website described these miles as the most challenging with an 800 foot climb over a couple miles. Coral Creek is 600+ feet at 1.75 miles so I figured it could not be tremendously challenging. At the 46 mile rest stop, one of the volunteers talked about this hill starting at 13% and getting worse from there. Now I am confused, what is this hill like? What is up with all of this hype? Not too worry, only a few miles more and I'd be on the climb and all questions would be answered. 2OLD and the C left a bit early from the rest stop while I waited for my mom to stop by with some food and Gatorade. After refueling, refilling, and talking a bit with Cassie and my mom, I got on my bike, motivated to catch up with my two riding companions. The next 8 miles I averaged over 23 MPH on flat roads, pushing myself. The catch was made at the bottom of the climb. This was no 13%; it was 8% for the first 1/2 mile and then it leveled off to 4% to 6% for the balance of the climb with a flat spot between the lower and upper sections. The final 40 miles was over familiar rolling hills. We talked and goofed off while counting down the miles. We finished a bit faster than the second century of the STP but definitely a bit more challenging. Century #6 in the books. Thanks to 2OLD and the C for the good times on the bike. For #7, I think we will be riding a portion of the same route but taking out all of the climbing and sticking near the river to keep it flat. Labor Day weekend if the target weekend to get it done.

On another note, our thoughts and prayers go out to our friends in San Antonio. Although Yoda doesn't post much these days let alone get on the bike, I hope that his family along with his mullet trimmed hair are doing well.