We had a fun day yesterday, me and Branson. We hit it at 7:10 a.m., finished up at 4:13 p.m., with a ride time average of 16.5 mph.
We had a bit of encouragement from the start -- clouds apparently moved in overnight, holding the morning temperature several degrees above the predicted low of 22. Still, it was plenty cold. I dressed accordingly. Bike shorts and leg warmers under full tights. Medium thickness wool socks with full shoe covers. Wool long sleeve undershirt, long sleeve jersey, vest and the O2 rain jacket. Stocking cap. Two pairs of gloves -- a very light liner glove and a heavier outside glove.
Branson seemed less troubled by the cold and had on about half of what I was wearing.
It only took about 30 minutes for both of my water bottles to freeze up. I didn’t get a drink of water until about 11:40, when we reached Boydton. Branson had Gatorade in one of his bottles and the salt kept it from freezing.
With a strong northwest flow, we fought a headwind or gusty sidewind for the first 80 miles. It was not until we headed south on Grassy Creek Rd. that things turned in our favor. With the wind slightly at our backs, the return trip seemed almost balmy and I worked up a healthy sweat on a few stretches.
Branson was a strong rider who believes in pulling his fair share. He also had a keen eye for the older homes along the route -- in particular, his namesake Kimball Oaks, the 1845 estate just east of Drewry.
This was Branson’s first 200K -- and his longest ride ever. His previous mark was 105 miles. I predict he’ll have no troubles on the strength side in his quest to qualify for PBP.
The lake was much lower than any ride last fall; a couple of the bridge crossings looked like mudflats.
With Sunday’s ride I’ve now qualified for RUSA’s R-12 award (12 straight months of 200K or more). Thanks to one and all for company all the way.
