I used to live in Longview in the mid 80’s so some of this route was pretty familiar, they changed the course from last years run around Lake O’ The Pines. Temperature started in the upper 30’s and ended around mid 44 degrees although there was an annoying 10-15 mph north wind which made it feel colder.
The run to Gladwater was pretty smooth and fast but after that it was all chipseal and hills, lots and lots of hills.
Did I say the ride had hills?
Oh yea like 3700 feet of hills, nothing super steep but long and annoying hills, one after another after another. I didn’t do too bad on them although after the first 15 or 20 it was getting old. A few intersections had some traffic control by the local police and some with a great group of Harley riders however most intersections didn’t have anything but fortunately the signs were well placed and unlike the last 2 rides I didn’t go off-course.
I hit one of the final rest stops at the 44 mile mark and was so tired at the end I could barely walk and had several toe cramps…I HATE toe cramps! Supposed to be 60 miles but ended up a little over 58 which was fine by me. I’m glad I did the ride, wasn’t fast but almost never am this time of the year and I need a lot more work on the endurance and yes hill climbing. A couple of weeks of good weather and I’ll be fine with the next ride.
58.5 miles
3 hours 27 minutes
152 bps average heart rate
3,669 ft total climb
By Mark Leuck – Link to original story
