50 Miler on the Fourth

I thought I'd start out the Fourth with a bang by attempting my first 50 mile ride. It seemed like a good idea at the time even though it was pouring rain - I mean heavy rain - when I woke up that morning. My logic was that if it was raining hard on century day, I better have had some practice riding in it before then. Also, I was under the mistaken impression that it was Saturday - not Friday - and I needed some significant miles to round out my training week, which I count from Sunday through Saturday. This week, I had only done the 17 on Sunday.

So off I set out, up to Newburyport and Plum Island. This particular route actually took me through seven different towns - North Andover, Boxford, Groveland, West Newbury, Newburyport (and Plum Island), Newbury and Georgetown. Within the first four miles, my bike shoes were soaked through - so much so that my toes were literally sloshing in water with each stroke. Thankfully, the ride offered some initial diversions to keep my mind off the conditions.

But about 10 miles in, long after passing this Belted Galloway and Turtle Alley, the ride became very tedious. The scenery was getting a little blah, the rain was still pouring down on me, and visibility was becoming an issue with my biking glasses. About that time, too, I came to the sudden realization that it was actually Friday and not Saturday, so I really didn't have to ride all 50 in one day if I didn't want to. I could head home early and split the miles over both days. But before I could talk myself into bagging it, I remembered that little sign I saw a few weeks ago that said "Don't overthink it." So I stopped thinking about it and just kept riding. Saturday could always be a recovery day.

About 10 miles later, the rain began to stop and I was rewarded with some lovely views as I approached Newburyport. I biked down into town along the side streets and little shops. This is such pretty town with so much character. I stopped on the boardwalk to check out the boats, then I headed out Plum Island Turnpike. Unlike last Friday's ride out on Plum Island, this time I actually made it to the beach. No one was there except the fisherman, since it was still cool and drizzly.
I took a more scenic and familiar route back home. The rain stopped for good, thankfully, and the water had finally drained from my bike shoes. I arrived home about 3 1/2 hours later after finishing my longest ride to date. I can't imagine doing double the distance in just a few short months, though I know it will be much easier with a crowd than riding solo as I did this day. I started the Fourth with a bang, that's for sure, but I ended it pretty pooped....