Didn’t see any of the forum members. Managed to leave early (6:40-ish) and made decent time to the Fairfield rest stop. Rode through leg cramps on the Jacks Mtn Rd climb. Caught my 2nd wind and was beginning to make better (for me at least) time. Got caught by the storm just inside Gettysburg Battlefield park. Spent about 10 minutes (per my Garmin) sheltering in some woods with 2 other riders. When the winds let up and I resumed riding, I saw a house about a 1/2 mile later that must have had 100 riders who’d tried to get out of the storm. Rest of ride spent dodging all the small debris and trying not to drink other rider’s rooster tails! Finished in 7hr 4 min moving, 8:16 total.
2wheel’s photo does not do the storm justice – it was an INTENSE several minutes. Kudos to everyone who rode, and to creadier for his brevet – I think I saw a few radonneurs out doing a different ride, as well as several on the CWC.
I was very glad I brought my vest & arm warmers – needed them for wind protection after the deluge [Didn’t bother with the shoe covers]. And the fenders (Crud Road Racer Mk2’s) worked fabulously.
I’m now 2 for 2 this season on centuries with epic weather events (Reston, CWC). Followed by GREAT weather the next day. I’m hoping PPTC Back Roads breaks the string. Or you can all assume I am cursed and plan accordingly.
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