I rode a century today. Yesterday, too. Here I am at the end of today's ride. Don't I look fresh and perky?
Today's century was the Potomoc Pedalers Historic Back Roads Century. 100 Miles of scenic country roads and rolling hills in the Shenandoah Valley of northern Virginia and West Virginia. I measured 3500 feet of climb.
What was cool is I got to test out Debra's brand new car! She just got it yesterday.
Here is what's cool about the Element. This century started in Berryville, VA, which is 100 miles from home. You have to register between 7 and 9. So that would mean getting up pretty darn early to drive out there from Baltimore.
But with the Element, you can drive out the night before and sleep in the car. With your bike!
I woke up about 7:00 am because of all the people slamming car doors around me. I went over and registered, and had a Frappechino and a Luna Bar for breakfast. By 8:15 I was ready to roll, and very well rested.
This is the new bike, a Cobrabikes Royale carbon fiber recumbent. I've been messing with it for months to make it road-ready. Yesterday was a 100 mile ride shakedown ride on the Eastern Shore, which is very flat. But today was the big test. Lots of hills. The Royale did great. I averaged 16 mph, and I only had to do a couple minor adjustments on the road.
They had nice rest stops. This is the Burwell Morgan Mill, built in 1785. It was grinding corn today when I was there.
The rest area was behind the mll. In addition to the usual bananas, Gatorade, and peanut butter sandwiches, they were giving away salted boiled potatos. My potato was delicious. The people working the rest stop were very funny. They suggested lots of things we could do with a potato.
Another rest stop was at White Post Restorations, in White Post, VA. I just assumed they restored houses, but it's cars they restore. They were having a mini car show with about 20 antique street rods and other cars. Bluegrass music was playing in the background. (Yes, Gabe, that's a 442 on the left.)
4 comments:
The Element looks a little tight with the bike AND sleeping area. I have much better luck with a minivan, you can sleep comfortably and not have to flatten the front seat.
It's more comfortable than I thought it would be, but it is pretty tight. We found the easy to clean interior to be very appealing. I bought a sun shower bag today, and as soon as the tailgate cabana gets here, I'll be able to shower after a ride! Lux-u-ry!
Glad you enjoyed the Back Roads Century. My husband and I rode it on our tandem and had a great time. I am thinking of getting an Element. Do you think I could fit two bikes in the back?
Two bikes would not be a problem.
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