| Ride Stats |
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Distance:
52.59 miles
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Altitude Gain:
1,534 ft
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Avg Speed:
16.60 mph
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Route:
Detroit-Woodland-Powderly
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Avg Grade: 126 %
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Max Grade: 155 %
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Max HR: 0 bpm
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Avg HR: 0 bpm
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Terrain: Road: Flat
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Bike: Look 585 Carbon Road
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Club: Schuyler County Cycling Club |
| Weather Conditions: Sunny 71 F W wind # 5 mph |
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Finished up nightshift this morning and hoped to get in some miles as have back to back centuries coming up next weekend. Forecast was for thundershowers and heavy rain throughout the day so didn't have high expectations when I went to bed. Got up mid-afternoon and saw bright sunshine when I opened the drapes. Only had slept for three or four hours but decided I could get some miles in after all. Headed north up 271 and figured I would catch the west wind to cross the prairie then cut back down into Blossum for a forty mile loop which was all I could get safely get in before nightfall. Don't think I was fully awake up 271 as though my mind was alert the legs just went around listlessly. Hadn't checked the map before the ride but thought I would remember the roads having ridden them many times throughout the years though it was over a year ago that I rode them last. Made a turn off 271 on a paved road that looked kind of familiar and anticipated running into 196 for the ride back to Blossom. Body perked up when I was ambushed by another border collie type dog. Sprinted out of the saddle and actually got up to twenty-nine mph and held it for a bit which is a big improvement over last week. Dropped the dog easily but thought I might have missed my turn in the chase. Wasn't too worried as wasn't certain I had missed it, and even if I had I would eventually hit 410 and head back down to Detroit. Kept pedaling and noted two things- the road didn't look familiar and the sun was going down. Actually got a little worried when I passed out of Lamar County and into Red River County. I really didn't want to be in Red River county after dark as compared to the rumored dangers of Lamar County, Bigfoot and the Reno, TX 911 rent-a-cop, Red River Counties stories are Lovecraftian in nature. Heard-tell that Ted Nugent has a shooting preserve in the area that he had bred some sort of half human\half chigger creatures to be hunted for sport. Unfortunately some Captain Planet ecowarriors from down at the state capital came up and cut the fences and the chiggerfolk got out and into the Red River ecosystem and now free range along the shores feeding on the cattle and naughty children. Kept telling myself I would only go so far and if I didn't find the turn I would double back. After repeatedly going over my bingo mile I rolled into Woodbury and found 410. Did the math and thought I might get back before dark but it would be close. Pushed the pace down 410 and held the speed fairly well. Made Detroit which almost counts for civilization and thought I was out of danger but I still had one more challenge ahead. Took a straight eighteen mile shot down the four lane to try to beat the sunset. Noticed something odd going on up the road. It appeared that a troop of baboons were camped out in the road ahead. As I got closer I saw it was a dozen or so people jumping around in the middle of the highway and waving their arms at the oncoming traffic. Not sure if it was some time of Red Rover game played with 70 mph tractor trailers or some sort of frogger game but thought someone is going to get hurt and it is going to make a mess. After some blaring horns and some more jumping about the troop fortunately for me and them collected on the other side of the highway. I figured if they are used to playing with tractor trailers they would make good sport of a cyclist. Kept my head down and pedaled by the group. I think I was mercilessly taunted by the group but really couldn't understand a single thing that was yelled and escaped unscathed. Got back to Paris and rode the last two miles directly into the setting sun. I could barely see the road ahead and was hoping the traffic behind me could see better than I could. Kept as far to the right as possible and made it back to the motel unharmed. Really enjoyed the ride but cut it a little too close for comfort.
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