Coincident with Ian’s birthday party, today was the Mountain Equipment Co-op Summer Century Ride. I signed up and paid for the Spring, Summer and Fall rides at the beginning of the year, and it was bad planning that caused them to collide. Nevertheless, I reasoned that I could finish my ride and make it to Ian’s party regardless. And I was right.
But let’s start at the beginning…
It was an early start, made earlier by a thunderstorm passing through at about four in the morning. Thanks to getting up earlier than expected, I was in Turner Valley for the start of the ride by 7:30. Peter and Susan from the Bow Cyclists showed up, and so did Daniel, who I rode with in the Spring Ride.
I was looking forward to the ride for lots of reasons, but especially as it would be a good test of my new bike. The Spring ride went well, but the weather was bad. This would be a much nicer day.
There was a pretty good crowd, but Peter, Daniel and I did well to ride in a group who were working well together. The first 20 km zipped by in about 30 minutes.
We three worked together for most of the ride, until Daniel left us behind at about the 70 km mark.
The weather was warm, but not too hot. The storms stayed away until after Ian’s party. It was just Alberta foothills highways and us (and some traffic… not too many idiots).
I finished the ride (97.5 km) in 3 and a quarter hours, including about 15 minutes of stoppage time. It was easily my fastest century yet. It was only slightly slower than my Tour de Victoria time from last year, which was only 85 km.
Beautiful day for your ride🚴😎☀️