Another successful Trek 100

Current Seasonal Total: 572.2

On Saturday, I participated in my second consecutive Trek 100 ride, which supports Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer (the MACC Fund) and research into critical pediatric cancer and related blood disorders. This year's ride was their second ride that began at Trek's world headquarters in Waterloo, Wisconsin. Those electing to ride the 19 or 36 mile routes were asked to assemble at 9:30 a.m.

Although the weather was uncertain in the days and hours before ride time, this year's ride proved to be much warmer and more comfortable. Unlike last year, no extra layers were needed and no sustained rain occurred. This year's ride added another bonus for me -- a riding partner. Gary Sampson, a good friend and fellow planetarian who has become an inspired cyclist in the past year, made us some delicious waffles before driving us both from his home in the western suburbs of Milwaukee to Waterloo on ride day.

The day started off foggy with cool, but comfortable, temperatures in the low to mid-60s. The weather forecast suggested a cloudy but rain-free morning, followed by showers in the afternoon. Thankfully, this forecast proved accurate. Despite a few sprinkles of rain mid-way through the ride, the weather was quite good. There was little wind to fight against. . . there was little sun to burn our skin. . . and the temperature was very comfortable. Skies occasionally showed peaks of sunlight, but were cloudy most of the time.

Gary and I arrived just after 9 a.m., prepared our bikes, and rode them to the starting point less than a mile away. We were in the first group that they released onto the roads at 9:30. and we first rode through the city of Waterloo before turning southward onto what would prove the hilliest portion of the route. By the time we reached the first rest stop on the northern edge of Rock Lake (near Lake Mills, Wisconsin), we were ready for the bananas, oranges, apples, Gatorade, cookies, energy bars and more that was provided at the well-stocked and well-staffed "watering hole." Brimming with confidence and eager for more, we resumed the 36-mile route, which curved around the perimeter of Rock Lake before turning southward . . . and then westward. We stopped briefly at a farm, whose owner had graciously turned into rest stop #2. Finally, despite a few sprinkles of rain, we turned northward, passed luxury homes located near the western bank of Rock Lake, stopped one more time at the main rest stop at Rock Lake, then followed a slightly different route back to Waterloo. After about three hours of actual riding time, we returned to our starting point and enjoyed a Frappuccino or two courtesy of Starbucks before loading our bikes and driving back.

Compared with last year, I rode 12 minutes longer, 1.3 miles farther, and my average speed was only 0.4 mph slower. It was a great time, made better by the fact that I had a riding partner, which is rather rare for me. Combined with a short ride (9.1 miles) that Gary led the afternoon before, my Trek 100 mileage (37.6) raised my seasonal total to 572.2 miles. I'm still several weeks ahead of last year's pace . . . and hoping to continue that trend into the weeks ahead.

My Trek 100 pictures can be found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/80922822@N00/sets/72157624261971538/.