The event was a smashing success even though I did not achieve my personal goal of a Century (more on that tale later). We had over 250 riders from 32 states and Canada. Collectively we raised over $850,000 for diabetes research, searching for a cure of type 1 diabetes. Thanks again to all of my supporters who enabled me to raise 110% of my personal goal of $3,000. I could not have done it without my 60 supporters (family, friends and colleagues).
I have only a minor disappointment of not reaching my riding goal of 100 miles. I gave it my best effort but came up 5 miles short of the Finish Line (actually 97 miles on the Garmin - see my miserable stats at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/624653121)). First, the weather was brutal, 38-48F, with gusty swirling winds of 20-30 mph. The morning was cloudy and cold. Finally in the early afternoon the sun came out intermittently that helped our psyches somewhat. I was happy to make the 50 mile mark (see photo on the link below), thinking that the way back would have less hills and less wind (wrong on both accounts). I knew I was in trouble when I left the port-o-potty with my riding shorts around my ankles (the brain is first to go). Later I encountered some rough pavement and ended riding down an embankment into someone's driveway (coordination is next to go). Finally with 5 miles to go I encountered yet another hill (where did that one come from?) and decided to take an unscheduled break. Laying down on the grass to catch my breath a SAG truck came along sure that I had passed out. He didn't take no for an answer and whisked me to the Finish Line. It's a good thing he did because there were several more hills that would have killed me. I was completely out of gas. I sheepishly rode to the Finish Line from the parking lot.
Oh well there's always next year!
Jim at Start Line
Jim at Finish Line
Visit my personal JDRF web link at http://www2.jdrf.org/site/TR?px=3043798&pg=personal&fr_id=3430&et=pqAd2TAtJ9KWzD--s_0d0A&s_tafId=144326
Thanks for sharing Jim! Nashville is the toughest JDRF ride of the ones I have been to (Death Valley, La Cross, Tucson and Nashville) so I think you did awesome getting 97 miles! I look forward to seeing you at indoor training and hitting the road again next year!
ReplyDeleteGreat Job Jim!
ReplyDeleteWe are very proud of you!
Looking forward to seeing you at indoor training soon!