Oct 1, 2012
You were expecting advice and whatnot? Not this Monday. It's past September 29th, the day of my century. Yep. Wondering about how that went? Of course you are!
That's right - in just under 8 hours, I biked 100 miles.
The Day Before
I was surprised at the outpouring of support from my co-workers. While I didn't go around screaming about my century, they knew about it. I came back to a meeting to see my desk had been bombed.
I told my friend I need a boyfriend or personal assistant or something. Part of this is because I am, indeed, lonely - the other part is I totally could have used someones help making sure I was set. The night before, I loaded up my pack - filled the bladder, packed my medication, hydration tablets, gloves and everything. I set out my biking gear and head to he bike shop to pick up spare tubes.
I still don't know how to change a flat.
Then I went to the bakery to get my Joey Bars. They did have any. AH! The girl was so nice, she left a note that I would stop by at 5am to pick some up if they had them.
Don't worry - they didn't.
The Day
I woke up at 4am - I had forgotten to shave my legs. Yeah. More for vanity than speed, might I add. I hoped it wouldn't rain and I got my gear and packed all these papers I needed. I hoped I didn't forget anything.
I actually missed my turn and ended up at the wrong place. AH! No worries, I got there and parked with some wiggle time to drop all the pins for my number under my car seat. The helpful staff told me to go to the Rookie Tent for "stuff". ..I'm not into stuff, but, they did have pins. I also met Tom, his first year volunteering. I wished him luck and told him thanks. They went to the release area where the "Face-paced cyclist/century riders" went.
I could sum up how this all felt - 6am surrounded by groups of friends, matching jerseys and guys (mostly guys) stretching everywhere. Here's a picture.
10-20 Mile Stretch
The ride was mostly on surberban streets and back roads. Not to bad. It was nice, a little hilly at first but riding in a group didn't feel as weird as I thought and I wasn't being run over. I tried to find other people who had the "Century" sticker on their number. I found a couple. I figured I would follow them.
It was at mile 17 I wanted to quit. Honestly. I wanted to stop. I could say it was because I couldn't have breakfast, because I had been stressed over the past two weeks, because I didn't belong with these people. I was tired. I was filled with self-doubt and even tried to figure out if my adrenals would kick in correctly because I forgot to take a pill when I started.
I did think that no one would think less of me for stopping. No one would say anything about it. They would say "aww" and maybe something supportive. No one would really care if I just stopped.. .
And I kept going. Why? First, I needed to reach a stop before I could stop. Next - well, I knew what it felt like to stop at 17 miles. I didn't know what I felt like to ride 100.
Besides, Melissa was waiting for me at the 55 mile mark.
I hit my first rest stop and heard "Amanda!"
Who the Hell knows me here? And can identify me?
It ended up being a cousin. I think my Uncle is his Great Uncle - whatever, John. Johnny. We had talked about this trip when he was at my house less than a year ago. We wished each other well. He was leaving. I ate a Cliff Bar. I like Cliff Shots, but, not the bars. But, I had to eat something. I had some banana, too.
20-30 Mile
Lunch! It was about 8:30am and it was the "lunch stop." Let me just tell you, that was the best chicken sandwich I ever had. It had no sauce on it (I can't have vinegar) and it was juicy and delicious.
Yes. This is how I eat a chicken sandwich.
I had not had much experience riding in a group. I did my best to get into the swing of "car back" (though never "car front") and pointing out holes in the ground. I also announced that I was "On your left" and I got scared a couple times by riders passing me without a sound.
Then I was all alone. Yep. No one was behind me. I could hardly see the riders in front of me.
I was also cold. Talking off my long-sleeved top was not the best move. At least, until I got going again.
30-40 Mile
I met a fellow, Ben, who kept a 18-20 mile pace. Holy cow! We sort of met when he pointed out a bag of potato chips on the ground as a "hazard."
He is from Collingswood, married with a 4-year-old and 17-month-old. Nice guy. He made the miles fly by, for sure. It was nice to have the company. Even just to talk to someone. We both laughed.
40-50 Miles
After the 45 mile mark, there was the century loop. This loop took the century cyclists around a 22 mile loop while the rest of the riders would go straight. I decided I need to give a shout out to the Penn Medicine group because I drafted behind them a bit and also passed them - and was passed.
Ben found me again while I was trying to pass a girl who thought riding on the right at an inconsistent speed was a good idea. You have to pass on the left, and passing her meant going into oncoming traffic. Her two friends were staggered around the left blocking everyone.
So, Ben kept me going for another 10 miles. Wow, fast pace Ben! But, I could do it. I was keeping at a 17mph pace most of the way. So much better than my 14-15mph I thought I would be doing.
50-60 Miles
I just stopped at this stop and Melissa found me. I waved bye to Ben and Melissa got this picture of me.
So, I made it about 53 miles at this point. 60 was the farthest I had ever traveled but I was feeling good.
I got my official "Century Patch." I decided to have Melissa take a picture of me looking like one of those awesome, hardcore riders you see in the background.
I think I look pretty hardcore.
So, I was taking my medications as the doctor told me. I wondered how I would feed about this - needing medication. But, as my doctor said, it's a small dose and just enough to support the demand. Not taking them would have been a disaster. Taking them did not make anything easier, though.
I was so happy, I left my pants with Melissa.
Shortly after, a group of elite looking cyclists called me out on my socks as I got my bike.
60-70 Miles
Every inch beyond 60 miles was the farthest I had ever gone.
I should note, there were people here and there on the route waving and holding up signs. A lot of police and people making sure traffic was stopped and you turned the right way. I said "thanks" to each of them.
I passed two "accidents" in my ride. The first was early on when there had been a lot of broken glass on the road and some rider fell (taking others down) and got cut up. I came up after, everyone had swarmed the injured (who seemed otherwise to be ok) and were getting help. The other was a woman who must have passed out while riding and taking down her team. She was laying with the medics and the medic was saying, "If you feel dizzy. . " Again, good support was there.
Last Rest Stop
Ok, my breakdown is not precise. The last stop left 13.1 miles left in my adventure. I had to pee for the first time, too. I asked Melissa if it was normal I didn't have to pee. Perhaps my kidneys were shutting down - she said I was just using all I was taking in. Great. Four liters later, I had to pee. I budged in line. I didn't know there was a line. AH!
90-100 Miles
13.1 to go and I followed behind this good of Janney riders (could only find 2011 pic). One was from the National Guard (or I assume from jersey alone). They kept at the 17mph pace I liked and I drafted. I felt a little bad about the drafting but after I hit a hard hole with an "ouch!" the National Guard guy started making sure he called out everything.
At the one red light, they all heard me yell a couple things back - they say "car back" and "hole" and I would say "min-van" or "donut" and the one guy started announcing "puppy" or other random objects. Fun.
I blew passed the Janny group. I blew passed some other legit cyclists. Then I zoomed down the other side at 30mph hoping my tires wouldn't give out or anything. Then - well - it made sense why National Guard guy was talking about taking it slow. There's another hill.
I hit it at a good pace and I was feeling it. There is one thing I know about hills - they don't go away. You can't give up on a hill because you lose everything and it's not like you can take another route. I looked to my left and saw the beach.
I have not seen the beach since maybe the early 2000s. OMG. I made it to the shore? Whatever hill! I powered on and really enjoyed the trip down. I even passed the Janny guys again who beat me to the second hill and were stopped before the top. Maybe to take pictures.
I'm not here to take pictures - I'm here to ride a @#$%ing century!
The Finish Line
Riding through Ocean City (I think that's where I was) was really nice. However, I wanted to keep at my pace. A lot of "stay to the right" and "get out of my way" went away after that hill. I passed a lot of people to ensure I was not the last person to cross. Ha!
The finish was stocked with people looking for loved ones and all that. My phone battery was almost dead but I got a picture of my mileage. RunKeeper - well, I accidentally turned it off during about 20 miles and then with the low battery, I turned it off encase I needed to make a call. Or update Facebook.
There was a stop at the end where you had to go through a cattle shoot, so, I didn't upset anyone by taking my "finish line" self-photos.
So I completed my century with the most attactive picture ever! But, really, after 102 mile, who looks awesome?
Support
I can't even tell you the amount of support that flew in from my cowokers. And even the "Likes" and kind words on Facebook. Say what you want about Facebook, it was a good way to post what I was up to for those who cared to see. It was nice to read people did care and were following.
I never thought I was someone who would be called "amazing," I always thought if I could do it, anyone could and it wasn't really special.
I think a lot of times, as I thought while riding for 8 hours, I assume people like my attention and help but don't really care what I am doing or how I am feeling or what I am trying to accomplish. I do what I do because of who I am, but, there's got to be more to it than that. I think I tend to be guarded about my inner world. I don't like to let people in to far because my world has been mostly sickness and things people don't want to deal with. So, I think they don't want to deal with me. I'm going to work on this from now on.
The Aftermath
I arrived home - the MS Society thinks of everything and bused me and my bike back to the start point - and faced my biggest hurtle yet. Stairs.
Don't worry, I got up them and found a nice little care basket from my friend Cindy waiting at my door. It was full of homemade muffins and apples. I ate a bunch.
I also stank. I stank baaaad.
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
 |
| FINISHED |
The Day Before
I was surprised at the outpouring of support from my co-workers. While I didn't go around screaming about my century, they knew about it. I came back to a meeting to see my desk had been bombed.
 |
| So many signatures! |
I still don't know how to change a flat.
Then I went to the bakery to get my Joey Bars. They did have any. AH! The girl was so nice, she left a note that I would stop by at 5am to pick some up if they had them.
Don't worry - they didn't.
The Day
I woke up at 4am - I had forgotten to shave my legs. Yeah. More for vanity than speed, might I add. I hoped it wouldn't rain and I got my gear and packed all these papers I needed. I hoped I didn't forget anything.
 |
| 4am - hot |
 |
| The legit cyclists |
 |
| Uhh. . .what am I doing here? |
The ride was mostly on surberban streets and back roads. Not to bad. It was nice, a little hilly at first but riding in a group didn't feel as weird as I thought and I wasn't being run over. I tried to find other people who had the "Century" sticker on their number. I found a couple. I figured I would follow them.
It was at mile 17 I wanted to quit. Honestly. I wanted to stop. I could say it was because I couldn't have breakfast, because I had been stressed over the past two weeks, because I didn't belong with these people. I was tired. I was filled with self-doubt and even tried to figure out if my adrenals would kick in correctly because I forgot to take a pill when I started.
I did think that no one would think less of me for stopping. No one would say anything about it. They would say "aww" and maybe something supportive. No one would really care if I just stopped.. .
And I kept going. Why? First, I needed to reach a stop before I could stop. Next - well, I knew what it felt like to stop at 17 miles. I didn't know what I felt like to ride 100.
Besides, Melissa was waiting for me at the 55 mile mark.
I hit my first rest stop and heard "Amanda!"
Who the Hell knows me here? And can identify me?
It ended up being a cousin. I think my Uncle is his Great Uncle - whatever, John. Johnny. We had talked about this trip when he was at my house less than a year ago. We wished each other well. He was leaving. I ate a Cliff Bar. I like Cliff Shots, but, not the bars. But, I had to eat something. I had some banana, too.
20-30 Mile
Lunch! It was about 8:30am and it was the "lunch stop." Let me just tell you, that was the best chicken sandwich I ever had. It had no sauce on it (I can't have vinegar) and it was juicy and delicious.
 |
| FOOD! |
I had not had much experience riding in a group. I did my best to get into the swing of "car back" (though never "car front") and pointing out holes in the ground. I also announced that I was "On your left" and I got scared a couple times by riders passing me without a sound.
Then I was all alone. Yep. No one was behind me. I could hardly see the riders in front of me.
I was also cold. Talking off my long-sleeved top was not the best move. At least, until I got going again.
30-40 Mile
I met a fellow, Ben, who kept a 18-20 mile pace. Holy cow! We sort of met when he pointed out a bag of potato chips on the ground as a "hazard."
Me: Thanks for warning me about the potato chips!He had drank a LOT of caffeine so when I told him he was going at 19mph, he slowed. He was going to do the 75 miles but said he might do the century. He looked like a legit cyclist and we joked about how once you get into it, you start to look more and more like "those guys"
Ben: Haha! I guess it's not as bad as a hole.
Me: Just pointing out snacks, I like it.
He is from Collingswood, married with a 4-year-old and 17-month-old. Nice guy. He made the miles fly by, for sure. It was nice to have the company. Even just to talk to someone. We both laughed.
40-50 Miles
After the 45 mile mark, there was the century loop. This loop took the century cyclists around a 22 mile loop while the rest of the riders would go straight. I decided I need to give a shout out to the Penn Medicine group because I drafted behind them a bit and also passed them - and was passed.
Ben found me again while I was trying to pass a girl who thought riding on the right at an inconsistent speed was a good idea. You have to pass on the left, and passing her meant going into oncoming traffic. Her two friends were staggered around the left blocking everyone.
So, Ben kept me going for another 10 miles. Wow, fast pace Ben! But, I could do it. I was keeping at a 17mph pace most of the way. So much better than my 14-15mph I thought I would be doing.
50-60 Miles
I just stopped at this stop and Melissa found me. I waved bye to Ben and Melissa got this picture of me.
 |
| No one looks good in Spandex. It's not a body thing. . . |
 |
| Yeah, I, uh. Yeah. |
 |
| World without MS! GO! |
 |
| Yes, I was doping |
I was so happy, I left my pants with Melissa.
 |
| Unleashed! |
Them: Nice socks!They look nice and keep my legs warm and protect them against road debris being kicked up at me.
Me: Thanks!
Them: Do they glow in the dark?
Me: They should.
Them: Are they compression?
Me: Nope, Dollar store.
60-70 Miles
Every inch beyond 60 miles was the farthest I had ever gone.
I should note, there were people here and there on the route waving and holding up signs. A lot of police and people making sure traffic was stopped and you turned the right way. I said "thanks" to each of them.
I passed two "accidents" in my ride. The first was early on when there had been a lot of broken glass on the road and some rider fell (taking others down) and got cut up. I came up after, everyone had swarmed the injured (who seemed otherwise to be ok) and were getting help. The other was a woman who must have passed out while riding and taking down her team. She was laying with the medics and the medic was saying, "If you feel dizzy. . " Again, good support was there.
Last Rest Stop
Ok, my breakdown is not precise. The last stop left 13.1 miles left in my adventure. I had to pee for the first time, too. I asked Melissa if it was normal I didn't have to pee. Perhaps my kidneys were shutting down - she said I was just using all I was taking in. Great. Four liters later, I had to pee. I budged in line. I didn't know there was a line. AH!
90-100 Miles
13.1 to go and I followed behind this good of Janney riders (could only find 2011 pic). One was from the National Guard (or I assume from jersey alone). They kept at the 17mph pace I liked and I drafted. I felt a little bad about the drafting but after I hit a hard hole with an "ouch!" the National Guard guy started making sure he called out everything.
At the one red light, they all heard me yell a couple things back - they say "car back" and "hole" and I would say "min-van" or "donut" and the one guy started announcing "puppy" or other random objects. Fun.
National Guard Guy: Yeah, we picked up this girl.Then we reached THE HILL. I heard about THE HILL. The bridge. Ok, it's not a big hill, it is a bridge, but after 95 miles of riding, I can tell you my eyes got a little big.
Me: Hi
Janny Guy: Nice socks.
Me: Thanks.
National Guard Guy: She replaces Glenn.
Me: I never liked Glenn.
Them: *Laugh*
Me: I'm kidding. I don't know Glenn. I'm sure he's great.
I blew passed the Janny group. I blew passed some other legit cyclists. Then I zoomed down the other side at 30mph hoping my tires wouldn't give out or anything. Then - well - it made sense why National Guard guy was talking about taking it slow. There's another hill.
I hit it at a good pace and I was feeling it. There is one thing I know about hills - they don't go away. You can't give up on a hill because you lose everything and it's not like you can take another route. I looked to my left and saw the beach.
I have not seen the beach since maybe the early 2000s. OMG. I made it to the shore? Whatever hill! I powered on and really enjoyed the trip down. I even passed the Janny guys again who beat me to the second hill and were stopped before the top. Maybe to take pictures.
I'm not here to take pictures - I'm here to ride a @#$%ing century!
The Finish Line
Riding through Ocean City (I think that's where I was) was really nice. However, I wanted to keep at my pace. A lot of "stay to the right" and "get out of my way" went away after that hill. I passed a lot of people to ensure I was not the last person to cross. Ha!
The finish was stocked with people looking for loved ones and all that. My phone battery was almost dead but I got a picture of my mileage. RunKeeper - well, I accidentally turned it off during about 20 miles and then with the low battery, I turned it off encase I needed to make a call. Or update Facebook.
 |
| I crossed the finish line |
 |
| I got my metal |
Support
I can't even tell you the amount of support that flew in from my cowokers. And even the "Likes" and kind words on Facebook. Say what you want about Facebook, it was a good way to post what I was up to for those who cared to see. It was nice to read people did care and were following.
I never thought I was someone who would be called "amazing," I always thought if I could do it, anyone could and it wasn't really special.
I think a lot of times, as I thought while riding for 8 hours, I assume people like my attention and help but don't really care what I am doing or how I am feeling or what I am trying to accomplish. I do what I do because of who I am, but, there's got to be more to it than that. I think I tend to be guarded about my inner world. I don't like to let people in to far because my world has been mostly sickness and things people don't want to deal with. So, I think they don't want to deal with me. I'm going to work on this from now on.
The Aftermath
I arrived home - the MS Society thinks of everything and bused me and my bike back to the start point - and faced my biggest hurtle yet. Stairs.
Don't worry, I got up them and found a nice little care basket from my friend Cindy waiting at my door. It was full of homemade muffins and apples. I ate a bunch.
I also stank. I stank baaaad.
 |
| Doing it again? Sure will! |
Manda's Century
You can follow my biking adventures by checking out my Manda's Century Ride page. It lists (in convenient bullet form) the lessons I have learned and has links to each of my biking related posts.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
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