As part of my panic preparation for the Seattle-to-Portland (STP) ride in a few weeks, I did a 70 mile ride today with Bruce, Todd, Clint, and Whitney. We followed the Flying Wheels 70 mile route (the longer version of the ride Bruce and I did last week.)

This was easily the hardest ride I've ever done for several reasons. First, it's the longest (albeit by about five miles) and was very hilly. Bruce sold me a bill of goods; the extra twenty miles were supposed to be a flat loop around a valley. Instead, big hills (I swear I'll kill the next person who says, "this is the last hill!"). Second, we were hauling ass. All of my colleagues are in far better shape than I am, so our average speed was even faster than last week's fast ride. What's more, when I dropped out of the line, I had to work 30% harder to keep up since drafting is such a big help. Finally, it was really warm today (high 80's), easily the warmest weather I've ridden in.

The result was major cramping at a few points (including one very exciting locked up leg) and a sore everything. I feel good for having finished though and just hope I can walk tommorow (I feel OK right now.) I clearly need to drink more fluid; I thought I was drinking enough, but I didn't need to pee the whole five hours, so I understand that means I need to drink more. I also learned that I can't start at a sprint. As soon as we started, we hammered at 22-23 mph and then hit a huge hill. I was dizzy by the top and really considered quitting there, less than ten miles into the ride. Fortunately, once I hit my stride it got better. Finally, I learned that I hate really sweet stuff when I'm hot and thirsty. I had energy drink in my bottles; they were almost unbearable until I cut them with water I bought along the way. I also hated the Hooah! energy bar I ate along the way. I'm sure it was quite tasty, but it seemed cloying during the ride. Everyone else said it was a hard ride too (harder than the first day of STP and about the same as the second said Todd), so I didn't feel quite as stupid. Some of the others cramped too (including Clint, who I heard screaming behind me as he jumped off his bike with locked legs.) Misery loves company, as he pointed out later.

There were a few highlights of course. Much of the ride through the Sammamish River Valley was lovely, and it was nice to enjoy it with my friends. I also love the new gloves and shorts I picked up this week. My hands and butt felt much better than last week, despite the longer distance. I also was amused by the turnout of stupid drivers who feel the need to yell obscenities and insults at cyclists as they drive by. Interestingly, they seemed to be centered in a five mile radius around Duvall, a rural town near Seattle. I've never had a problem with drivers before, but today at least four or five people decided it was important to share their views with us. I guess they're mad because their jetskis and dirt bikes were broken or something.

I also discovered how cool it is to break the speed limit on a bike. I hit 42 mph in a 35 zone going down a big hill. There was something a bit heady about the whole thing; of course, I was terrified I'd be road pizza if I hit even a pebble, but it was super fun.

Anyway, I haven't decided if today's ride gives me more or less confidence for STP. Glad to know it was as hard as it gets for STP, but I'm not really excited to repeat the experience soon. Guess I'll have to keep working out so STP is easiier.