Me, JD, and 63

On Saturday, a co-worker and I rode 63 miles together (more or less). This was part of the Helluva Ride put on by the Ann Arbor Bicycling Touring Society (AABTS). Last year, I did about 40 miles so I upped my effort by 23 miles. From this ride I learned a few things.

1. 63 miles is a long distance.
2. Somehow, one can go from Washtenaw County, to Livingston County, to Ingham County, to Jackson County, and back to Washtenaw County.
3. My ride partner is a stronger rider than I am.
4. After mile 48, I did not care if my ride partner was a stronger than I was. I was not riding any faster than 14 mph after mile 48.
5. The first 38 miles were much better than the last 25 miles.
6. My left quadricep muscle cramped up at mile 35. My right quadricep muscle cramped up at mile 45. My back stiffened by mile 53. I wanted to quit at mile 61.5. Fifteen minutes after finishing mile 63, I thought I would do it again next year.
7. There is no doubt now that I am certifiably crazy.
8. If you ride 63 miles, your wife has no complaints about you getting a half rack of ribs at Zingerman's Roadhouse. Did I mention I would do it again next year? I love spare ribs.