TOSRV 2008 Wrap-Up
This was my third and perhaps my strongest TOSRV. Though the first one I might have had faster days, I don't think I was as consistent throughout the ride. I think the preparation, particularly the long, steady distance rides, made the difference. I'll need to keep it up for the rest of the year. Having TOSRV as a goal helped...what's next?
Anyway, I'm getting ahead of myself.
TOSRV began for me Friday night. I drove from Cincinnati to Grove City (about five miles from downtown Columbus), and checked into a Microtel, the cheapest place that was not totally devoid of activity. It was...adequate.
At their continental breakfast, I toasted a bagel, and put it back on my plate I took it back to my room, I discovered that it melted my plate. I stopped by Starbucks on my way to the start.
Saturday was a great day, and an epic ride. The weather was just perfect--not too warm or cold, with favorable winds. My speed was solid--I felt like I was flying at times. I stayed to groups who were going about my pace. In a way, it was just like a training ride on Route 8. There are no significant climbs. I still tried to be conservative--it was to be a long day, with another long day to follow.
TOSRV is a well attended and well organized ride. You are always at least in sight of other cyclist. Often, your passing someone, or being passed by a line of racers using TOSRV for training. Every few miles, there is a support vehicle--a law enforcement officer, or a HAM. The volunteers who make this ride possible are amazing--I appreciate all the work they put in.
In Portsmouth, I checked out the amazing new mural. There have been several along the floodwall for years, including one with a TOSRV rider mixed in subtlety. The new one is completely TOSRV themed. It was really quite cool.
Onward to Tracy Park, for the Saturday party. A cover band played, and cyclist chatted, met with their groups, drank and ate. Then, I hopped back on the bike for a quick ride--really, more of a coast, to Portsmouth High School, where I would be spending the night.
My bad was waiting for me. I found a place on the gym floor, and spread out my sleeping bag, putting my bike next to it. I was quite ready for a shower. There was plenty of time to go take a walk, eat something, charge my gadgets, and organize everything. Long, multi-day rides, especially this time of year, often create the need for a variety of clothes, to accommodate different weather.
I got homesick, like I often do on these rides when I don't have much to do. I bought a book last week, which helped. Eventually, I slept...
...at 4:45, I woke to the sound of the other gym occupants, emptying their air mattresses. I wasn't sure why they were getting up so early. The sun wasn't going to come up until 6:20, and the donut place opened at 6. At 5:30, I gave up, and got ready.
Sunday brought rain for the first couple of hours, and again for the last two hours. In a way, it made the day more memorable, getting through it. On the way up Friday, I stopped at Performance Bike and bought a Clear Rain Jacket, in yellow. For $15, it proved to be a decent investment for the rain.
At the Crispie Creme, the donut place, I had the following conversation several times, taking on either role:
Person One: "How do you like the Performance Rain Jacket?"
Person Two: "I don't know--I just bought it on Friday."
I can report that it kept the rain off and fit well. However, it was about like wearing a shower curtain: it was somewhat of a sauna, and my jersey was moist from perspiration. In the net, I was better for having it.
I hit Chillicothe, the midpoint, at around 10:30 AM. As I stood in line for lunch, an ominous wind came in. I found a place near a table to stand by, and pulled out my iPhone to check the weather. A wave of storms was just rolling in. I considered it, and realized that if I waited 45 minutes, not only would wave pass Chillicothe, but it would be clear to the three-quarter mark in Circleville.
So, I went to a tent where there were tables, and waited. A pair of ducks decided to wait with us. I kept checking my phone, making me a popular source of information. I think several groups based their plans on this. I have to say the iPhone was a great thing to take with me. It really worked like the commercials suggest. And, you can operate the screen while it is in a zip-lock bag.
I also discovered that a spontaneous decision to stuff a pair of socks in a zip-lock was really wise. Nice, dry socks...
All in all, it was a great ride. I definitely will do TOSRV again. Now, I just need to find my next challenge for 2008.
Comments
iPhones FTW!
Congrats! That's quite an accomplishment. Many years and many pounds ago I used to do a lot of casual cycling, with my longest ride clocking in at around 45 miles. Spending some time on the bike again sounds like fun. I doubt I'll work up to TOSRV, though. :-)