Annual Horrible Hundred Cycling Ride Review 2010

Annual Horrible Hundred Cycling Ride Review 2010

Source

Official Photos of the Event

Photos Take of Me at the Event
 
Yesterday was the Annual Horrible Hundred Cycling Ride in Clermont FL.  Clermont is “THE” cycling area in FL.  There are ton of challenging hills and safe places to ride.  This is location where the hills have names (see this post). 

The weather for the ride was wonderful.  The air temperature was in the 70s and there was a slight overcast so the Florida sun was not beating down on you.  At some points during the ride there was slight misting rain but not anything that would get you wet.  On some parts of the ride the wind did start to kick up to about 12 to 15 mph but luckily this was mostly on the flats.


So I started off the ride planning to do the 70 miler with my buddy Angel but at around mile 15 he started talking to a friend and got lost in the crowd.  I stopped and waited for him at the first swag station and he did not show up.  At that point I was by myself and feeling good so I decided to chance and see how I felt at the 100 mile turn off.

 I felt great at the 100 mile turn off so I decided to push myself.  I joined up with a cycling team called “Butterbean.”  I rode with them for about 30 miles before I joined up with another group of cyclist that I rode with from mile 70 – 100.   These riders were great and fun people.  I hope to ride with them again.  They were going to email me some pictures but I think the lady got my email incorrect.  If I get those pictures I will post them soon.  It was interesting because one of the riders lives about 2 blocks from my house and I have never seen her riding.

To quote my friend Angel “whoever designed this course was evil.”  It included every major hill in the area and the hardest part is they all occur in the last 30 miles.  It was definitely a tough course but I surprised myself.  I even had to do the Buckhill 1.5 times because I missed my turn. 

There were approximately 5 swag stops placed about every 25 miles.  They were well stocked with goodies (peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, peanut butter & honey sandwiches, various chips, M&Ms, chocolates, water, Gator-aid, shot blocks, nuts, oranges, dried fruit, etc).  The SWAG stops where well organized and the volunteers were friendly and fast.  The only complaint is they ran out of water on the 2nd SWAG stop but they soon fixed the issue as the truck came carrying more water.

The cycling route was very safe.  The traffic on the roads was very light and the route keeps you off most major roads.  Every major intersection for the first 40 miles was controlled by police officers.  It may have been this way for the entire ride if you were doing the 35 or 70 but for the century the number officers soon dropped to zero.  But I kind of expected this because a century takes most of the day to complete and I do not expect police to stay out the long.

The SWAG vehicles were GREAT and they were EVERYWHERE.  About every 10 minutes for the entire ride I would see a SWAG vehicle drive by and check on the riders.  There was also someone at every SWAG stop to work on your bike if you need it.  Awesome job here.

There was a small expo at the event with about 10  to 15 vendors selling items.  David’s World came out and was doing free bike tune-ups before the race.

The race was packed with riders.  I believe they announced they had over 2000 cyclists attending the event.

I felt strong the whole ride and I never got off my bike on any of the hills.  Even more surprising I feel fine today.  My legs are a little stiff and my neck is a little sore but overall I feel good.

I would grade the ride an A.  It was well ran and supported.  The SWAG stops and vehicles were great.

This was my very first century and I had to pick Florida’s hardest century.  I rode strong and felt great on the ride.  It was one of the best sporting events of my life.   I am definitely proud of my accomplishment and hard work. 

Ride Elevation Chart (Click to Enlarge)

NOTE 1: I saw the Humble Triathlete at David’s World at the Friday registration.  Unfortunately, I was not able to talk to her because I was driving past her.  I honked my horn and yelled hello.  I saw where on the day of the ride but she was getting out of her car and parking the car after the race started on about mile 3.  I yelled hello at her and she saw me. Shirley if your read this what happened.  Did you do the race?

NOTE 2:   I saw my cycling computer hit 43 mph on one of the down hills.  It was AWESOME!!