Century Ride #6

Russell Orchards
Ipswich, MA

We did another one! This was Glenn's #3 and my #6. We missed last year because of cancer treatment.

This pic was taken around mile 47 at Russell Orchards in Ipswich, MA.

Although our planned event, The Flattest Century of the East, was cancelled, we wanted to do a century anyway. All that training! Doing an unsupported ride is more daunting as there are not rest stops every 25 miles with food, water, toilets, medical support and bike mechanics. Or the "sag wagon" which will  pick you up if there's an emergency like a mechanical failure or a medical problem. So after a lot of debate we decided to do two 50 mile loops, returning to the car for a tailgate lunch. It worked out well. We've ridden in Ipswich a few times and knew where to pee, eat and drink. It was a gorgeous route through parks, wetlands, horse farms and lots of preservation land.

The night before we enjoyed a few IPAs on the deck then a big Mexican dinner. The one night of the year when I can eat, eat, eat and not feel guilty about the calories. We toasted to our "training plan".

It wasn't fun per se - it is harder mentally then physically (what the f--- are we doing? why?) but so satisfying. Our training wasn't great this year, either. We didn't really get started until July and did much of our riding on super steep grades in Connecticut. But somehow it all came together. and we were able to do it. Thumbing my nose at cancer and late middle age.

But I"ve hung up my road bike (literally) and am ready to switch to other activities. As promised, yesterday we walked 9 holes of golf. It felt great to take a long walk, stretch out.

Friday we start our 3rd annual vacation in Southwest Harbor, Maine. We've rented the same little cottage on a cove and look forward to cooler weather, sailing, golf, hiking and some biking on the carriage paths of Acadia National Park. Sasha can't wait!

Century ride cancelled - but not

Heritage Village Country Club
Southbury, CT

I'm now on 6 weeks check-ups with Zumeta (an infusion to prevent bone cancer) every 3 months. And scans every 6 months. Whew! I like this cycle better. Today I met with Lauren the NP. Blood work was "excellent". She did a quick physical exam and I was out of there in minutes. It's hardly note-worthy except that it's kind of miraculous that I'm still feeling well and staying ahead of the cancer.

I took this picture on Glenn's iPhone at the country club. We stopped in for a beer last time we were out. They have a bluestone patio with tall bar tables and stools. I was playing around with the selfie feature and inadvertently took this image. I love the color and the disorienting perspective. The phone was lying on the table with selfie mode - and this is how it turned out.

We've been training on the bikes all summer even though it's been especially hot and humid. Last week we got an email that The Flattest Century of the East was cancelled. There were 1,700 riders registered. The email said that UMASS Dartmouth could not offer parking and as it's too complicated to reschedule, they just cancelled. So disappointing. But we've decided to DIY. We will ride 100 miles this weekend on our own. Not sure if we will ride the cancelled route along the Rhode Island shore or head up north of Boston where we've had some beautiful rides. But we are not to be dissuaded. The ride will go on!