2016-06-11 - Morris Area Freewheelers 2016 Revolutionary Ramble

Saturday morning, my new friend Juan met up with me in Jersey City to go to Morristown for the Morris Area Freewheelers 2016 Revolutionary Ramble. Before we left though, we said goodbye to the delightful cyclist I was hosting named Josee. She is cycling from Montreal towards New Orleans where she would spend time with her mom before returning home.

At the starting location, I briefly saw my friend Jim who started riding with his friends. After munching on some peanut butter and jelly bagels. I started around 7:15 AM. Juan would start later as he was riding the 65-mile route to save his legs for his Syracuse half Ironman in a week.

The ride was absolutely beautiful on smooth roads. I felt great and with good tailwind at certain parts, rode the first 50 miles without stopping in about 3 hours. I rode mostly alone for the first hour, trying to keep up with a large cycling group the second hour, and then riding alone at a slower pace the third hour. The weather was perfect for riding. After stretching, eating, refilling my bottles and using the bathroom all in about 15 minutes, I headed off again.

The ride grew hotter and with more headwinds. I rode the next 30 miles towards the next rest stop, going real slow up all the hills. My legs started to ache and my butt pain constantly reminded me the need to find a more appropriate saddle. Along the way I got to know Mike and Chris, two other cyclists riding the century at about the same speed as me. After a brief break, I left again.

The last twenty miles were more bumpy and uneven. A bit more than 10 miles from the finish, we reached the 600 year old oak tree. I stopped there to take some photos and lost Chris and Mike but I hope to cycle with them in the future.

I finished in about 7 hours overall and about 6 hours 30 minute riding time. It was the fastest century I ever rode. I had skipped a steep hill at the first rest stop and finished in about 97 miles. My friend Jim rode that hill and finished the entire 100 mile ride in just over 5 hours. It would be amazing if I ever became as fast as him. I sat with Juan and ate lunch as we waited for my dad to come to pick us up. I also was lucky enough to squeeze in as the last person for the free massage before they packed up for the day. It was a great experience.

Gear Used

Garmin Fenix 3
Garmin Edge 520
Outdoor Research Chroma Sun Gloves
Outdoor Research Unissex Spectrum Sun Sleeves
Pearl iZUMI Men's Quest Cycling Shorts
Sugoi Men's Leg Cooler
Ibera Bicycle Water Bottle Cage
Polar Bottle Insulated Water Bottle
​White Lightning Clean Ride Lubricant
Portland Design Works Danger Zone Tail Light
ROSWHEEL Cycling Bike Bicycle Frame Pannier Front Tube Bag
Avenir Bigmouth Velcro Seat Bag
DZ Nuts Pro Chamois Cream
Original Nuun Active: Hydrating Electrolyte Tablets