If anyone has pictures, please post up links. I'm especially interested in seeing #247.
Well, what can I say -- mudworm finally got to play in the mud. Total immersion style, head to toe and inside 'n out. I was one of those lucky ones who finished the ride safe and sound with a big smile though. A plastic grocery bag outside of my helmet and a free oversized plastic poncho (got it from
last year's Death Ride) kept my head and core dry, which turned a would-have-been-miserable ride into a just-a-bit-uncomfortable ride.
My real ordeal started after the ride though when I found out that my saddlebag was gone with all my keys inside, so I couldn't get in the car and couldn't buy any food or beverage. Dripping mud, I stood in the shower in my riding gear and then waited through the entire awards ceremony hoping someone had picked it up and turned it in. Eventually, the course sweep came back without good news for me. By then, despite having a towel and a fashionable blouse donated by two kind ladies, I was shivering uncontrollably. The race organizer, Michael's wife and two beautiful daughters took me into their house, put dry clothes on me and fed me with the best soup I had ever had in my life. I gradually thawed.
Oh, that earlier message was posted by my hubby from my computer before he started to drive north with a valet key to my car (and later he edited it to remove his phone number). In the mean time, Michael and one of his daughters went back out on the course to start taking down the signs.
My luck then suddenly turned. Michael phoned home saying they found my saddlebag right at that first Wall. I must had lost it by the end because I was able to hear my keys rattling inside for the most of my ride. It turned out that the entire clip broke from my bag probably just from the constant vibrations. That was the first and last use of that ToePeak bag. Lesson learned: always keep the essential stuff on your body when riding.
This is my first NVDC ride. 2:52 on my GPS, which I stopped a couple minutes after passing the finish, placing me 2nd in my Sport age group. I guess I'll have to come back to do it on a nicer day to see another side of the area. One guy commented that he had been racing NVDC since 1994 and this is the worst ever condition, so there is hope.
Kudos to everyone who finished the race and I'm sorry for anyone who could not finish due to mishaps (mechanical or physical). Thanks everyone who helped me when I was feeling miserable, especially Michael's family! You all are such beautiful people! :thumbsup:
P.S. Once I finish with my full report (bike and tire talk), I'll post up the link here.