Between the Hilly Hundred and the Monumental Half, my sister got married. So yea, I was pretty busy. I still wanted to get a recap on my blog though (for memory purposes).
Honestly, I have waited too long to type this up (the Hilly Hundred was in the middle of October)...I do have a few fleeting memories though:
Day 1 of the Hilly Hundred is misleading. It is actually about 58 miles. Last year, I only completed day 1 and I completely bonked at about mile 40 - leaving me 18 miles of agonizing riding. It wasn't so bad this year and I count my better physical shape as the reason why. It was pretty tough, don't get me wrong, but I was making it the entire time. We stopped a good 4 times probably. At about mile 45 I just had to pull over and stand up straight for a bit. There was a good amount of climbing, but I made it up each and every hill.
Day 2 was rougher. Although day 2 of the Hilly Hundred is only 49 miles, my rear end hurt from so much time on the saddle the day before. I was absolutely miserable the first 4 miles. I didn't want to put my full weight on my butt so I was over compensating with my legs. This led to some slight cramping and I knew I would never make it all day like that. I eased into the saddle and every time I let a little more weight go, I winced. Seriously, why am I doing this to myself? I asked Alex if I could turn around, he said sure, but I would have to wait for him at the car...about 3-4 hours or so. I decided I could forge ahead. After 5 miles or so, the pain started to subside and once we were at the first rest stop (about 9 miles in) it was tolerable. We stopped, stretched, hydrated, and tinkled. Then it was back to it...and back to the terrible pain! Ughhh! It hurt all over again for 3-4 miles. My quads are forever going to be stronger because of this ride. I was holding so much weight with them while cycling, just trying not to put much weight on my saddle. Once we hit some hills, I was scared about what that would feel like, but I think my concentration on not falling and continuing to pedal won out and the pain was at the back of my mind, making it manageable. The ride went on like this. After each rest stop, which felt so good, the saddle hurt like whoa for 3-4 miles. With about 10 miles left, I was so ready to be done. It wasn't enjoyable, it was grueling. I made a promise to myself to ride more before the Hilly next year to "callus" my sit bones...if I don't, I don't think I will complete it again.
Best part of the Hilly Hundred: the scenery. I am convinced that Indiana residents probably don't understand just how beautiful this state is. The fall scenery that you are exposed to during these 2 days is breath taking. It is picturesque and even surreal at times. The sheer beauty makes me proud to be a Hoosier :)
When we crossed the finish line, I immediately took my bike to the side of the road, got off, and started walking, which had never felt more amazing. Alex asked if we could ride to our car (about 0.2 miles). I said, absolutely not - you can, but I am not riding again until next spring. It may take that long for the bruises to heal...He walked with me :)
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