Cyclists Curing Cancer 2004 Century Ride - Clinton, MS (3rd Annual).

Another very early morning alarm with a packed jeep and on the road by 4:AM. Arrived in Clinton with about 45 minutes to spare and was one of the first to pick up a pre-registration packet. About 100 riders.

All routes were South from Clinton on the southern section of the Natchez Trace. Just for kicks, rode the first 11 miles at a very slow tempo with Joyce over mostly flat roads - the first 6 miles through town and the latter 5 on the Trace. Average 12.2 mph. Picked up a coupla fig bars at that first rest stop and said c-ya to Joyce (who was turning around), then picked up the tempo some, passing the 20 mile rest stop with a steady, yet light, north tailwind. Starting to catch up with the rest of packs, most of the 50 and metric riders returning in packs of six to 10. More hilly in this section.

Passed the 30 mile rest stop, riding a few miles on to the metric turnaround, then made the stop to refuel with some Gatorade, M&Ms, and bananas. Took a breather and made a few phone calls, then waited around for a group to slip in with on the return, but noone came along and I shipped out solo against the wind, which was slowly strengthening. Very short stop at the 20-mile rest stop for a few salty crackers and some cold water to dilute the Gatorade from the 30-mile stop, then on again under more wind, yet more even terrain.

As I was about to pull into the 10-mile stop a group of 6-8 riders was pulling out and I joined them, savoring the slipstream for the first time on this ride. It was a medium paced group and not very organized or consistent. Three riders on the back pulled around the rest and I followed. Over a hill and it was the four of us only now at a reasonably steady 18 mph pace. One of the riders touched my rear tire but didn't crash, yet he was wobbly and unnerved from the experience and dropped off the back. The balance of the ride was with Bruce and Ronnie. Bruce was strong and pulled a few more miles, then Ronnie, who wasn't as strong. I took my place on front but the pace was too much for Ronnie and we slowed down and made introdutions. The rest of the ride was at a slower pace, maybe 16-17. Although my first 11 miles on this ride were averaged at 12.2, the average over the rest of the metric was 17.6 mph, and most of that solo.