1980 roads revisited by R & R

I like this shot. Regina riding into the rising sun with 101.5 miles ahead of her.
In 1980 we moved to Dodgeville from Menasha for my dad's teaching job. We were 5 miles from town so we were on our own for social interaction. We were city folk so living on a farm sucked. No more road rides with others so I was on my own. When I wasn't fighting with my step-mom I'd be out running the early stages of the Military Ridge Trail (Tracks & Ties still getting picked up then) or out on the road bike going where ever I wanted. I went into Madison frequently but occasionally I'd go into Reedsburg to my Grandma's.

While I didn't do every road we did today, some were vaguely familiar from back in the day. Others are popular to this day with the WNBR and Bombay crowds.
The 100k+ Pirate Route (66 miles anti-clockwise)

The Dairyland Dare folks did a hell of a job for the paying customers. These profiles were nearly to 1:1 scale, note the "you are here" on the 300k profile. Some folks need to be told.
This was the only time I'd be in front of Russell on a climb. It was a half mile in and the legs were still stiff. I had ridden 2 miles from my Uncle Don's so I was warmed up. That and I think he was pacing himself. I was planning on just the 100k while he and Regina were going to do the 200k.
We rode together until the "Barney-ville" rest stop. They'd gapped me on the climb up Cty T so when I passed the rest stop I didn't see them. I rode on in the hopes of catching them. It wasn't so bad at that point. I had a tail wind so ~20 mph by myself was comfortable. I caught this guy with the nice touring bike on Cty HH.

A moment later I was caught by this freight train. The core was these 3 and a fourth behind me. By the time we got to the foot of Roberts Road we were up to 15 riders and maintaining high 20's for pace. Then the full-on suck mode started. Roberts Road is steep. No, it's unbelievably steep. Russell said he passed Alpine Goats when he climbed it the second time. He also mentioned another rider had an inclinometer. 19.8% grade was the steepest part. I don't doubt it.
After Roberts it smoothed out a bit towards Tower Hill State Park. I stopped for a nature break. If I'd had reading material Russell and Regina would have caught me sooner. Tower Hill had a rest stop much like the one for the Wright Stuff Century so it was nice to find a seat in the shade and relax. I think the Avocet 40 displayed 45 miles at that point so I was feeling very comfortable about knocking out the 100k. I was not convinced that I could go beyond to the 200k without throwing a wet blanket on R & R's ride.

I was assessing the water situation when Russell said "here, hold this" and put a juicy wiener in my hand. I offered Regina my wiener but she declined. I'd forgotten that she's Vegan. I wonder where the Planet Vegan is? Anyhow, we all relaxed and discussed the various Pro jerseys being worn by the decidedly non-Pro riders. Andy Schleck had seriously let his condition go since that TdF thing.
Speaking of form, I passed this guy a couple of times. Each time I was really proud of him. I doubt he wants to be the next LA but he didn't walk the climbs I saw him on and he finished the 100k. It doesn't matter what I think, but if he's happy riding his bike then I'm happy for him.


Then there's this guy. He did manage to beat the guy on Spinergy's but he didn't do the 200k. R & R decided to alter their return to the finish. They may not have done 200k, but they did exceed Regina's goal of 100 miles for the day. I forget the maximum distance she'd done before but it was something like 85 miles.

Regina's form looked fine on the last climb. It's hard to tell but she's pedaling smoothly.

Smiling is always the best way to finish a ride. Note the "New Tool Shed" in the background. Not a spot of rust on it.

More smiles. With my free time after 100k I went down to the Piggly Wiggly (formerly Dick's) for beer and pretzels. They didn't have any Ale Asylum so I had to ponder a bit before choosing. The liquor store manager noticed my hesitation and a conversation ensued. In the end he gave me a case of pint glasses and two pilsner glasses. I thought the pilsner glasses would make fine awards for the duo's efforts.