I’m Singin’ in the Rain! (Not!) by Pamela Hintz

On Saturday, October 9th, I participated in the Club’s Century Ride along with my sister, Delphy. With great anticipation, I informed the folks at the registration table I’d be doing the 100. The previous week I had agonized about my ability to complete the Century. This would be my first attempt. The Club sponsored 60-mile ride the previous weekend had not gone well. My knees and shoulder blades were killing me at the end of that ride. After that, I had asked Kevin at Farragut Freewheeler to adjust my bike for (hopefully) a better fit and more comfortable ride for the Century. I hoped it would help, but that remained to be seen.

The Saturday of the Century ride started out warm, but cloudy. I was amazed at the great turnout! Somewhere along the way, we missed a turn, but got back to the 1^st rest stop without adding extra miles…still not sure how that happened. About an hour into the ride, the rain started. Having ridden long distances in the rain before, I knew to come prepared this time. The proper tools for the job make all the difference. After donning the rain jacket with hood, I was all set. (I couldn’t bring myself to put the pants on too…it was pretty warm after all, and I was concerned those things wouldn’t breathe!)

I made it to the second rest stop and decided it was time to put on the Gore-Tex waterproof (?) socks. (As I later found out, the socks were definitely NOT waterproof). After looking around, I caught David Stinnett (our beloved Club President) giving me a pitying look. I think I saw the doubt in his eyes regarding my completion of the Century.

As my sister and I pressed on, the rain remained steady. I noticed my feet were swimming in water, but they still remained nice and toast-y. The next rest stops were a blur, as we had to quickly drain the waterproof socks and move on to avoid becoming chilled.

Somewhere between the 3^rd and 4^th rest stops, Delphy got a flat. (By this time, I was wondering where everyone went!). As we bravely proceeded with changing it in the pouring rain, a friendly face peered out of a car and inquired if we needed help. It was our Club Vice President, Tony Gehl, who had completed his ride and was now acting as SAG. We gladly accepted. He suggested a shortcut that would eliminate 12-14 miles from the Century, but we refused.

I cheered as we left the last rest stop at Philadelphia and headed on in (after stopping to drain socks of course). Keep in mind that it rained the entire time, with the exception of that first hour. When we caught sight of an unsuspecting lone cyclist in front of us with less than 5 miles to go, we sprinted ahead and passed the hapless victim. The competitive spirit was still alive (And after all, we didn’t want to be last!)

At the 2 mile mark, a redneck in a truck on the opposite side of the road must have thought I was too near the center line to suit him. It was difficult to ride behind my sister in the rain, as her rear tire threw water in my face , which severely impaired my vision. Therefore, riding semi-abreast seemed the best solution. Well, the redneck decided to come into my lane and try to play chicken. Of course in the rain my brakes weren’t functioning extremely well. Fortunately, he moved over to his lane at the last possible moment. I couldn’t understand why he felt it necessary to kill me as I was about to complete my first Century.

I felt so jubilant (and relatively pain free!- thanks, Kevin!) upon the return to Loudon High School. My first Century! And I made it under adverse conditions when so many others bailed. It was a great feeling!!! Thanks to all who planned the "relatively flat" route, and to those who made all the preparations and ran the rest stops. I thought the route was great. It feels good to check the Century off my "to-do" list! Perhaps the most touching moment came when Delphy and I got an e-mail from David…" you guys are awesome!".

(editor’s note: the Pres bailed and did 45 miles, the V. Pres bailed and rode only 38)