There’s only one word to explain my first metric century ride of 100 kilometers or 62 miles: EXHILARATING! The Ride, Rock and Brews event saw 200 people mostly focused on the longer rides with some conquering a ‘Double Metric’ or 125 miles.  The signal to begin started at 7:30 AM under an inflatable arch with the whole group traversing down roads and through major intersections blocked off for our passing during the first few miles.  Once in the ‘group’ it was much easier to pedal at 30% higher speeds by drafting the vast number of riders in front.  I managed to hang on to the group for about 8 miles before they became a small vision in front of me.  One time I caught back up to the group when we approached a work crew on the railroad tracks that blocked the whole road.  Our first Support and Gear (SAG station) came up fast at the 20 mile mark.  Food and drink to fill up and off we were.  

The Coast-To-Coast Florida Trail paralleled much of the course that saw most everyone traverse through miles of woods, rivers, and ending with another SAG station before the turn to New Smyrna Beach for the long riders.  This was my turn around point for the 66 mile course I signed up for but my brain and body said “No don’t turn around yet!”  I continued heading to New Smyrna Beach to the 40 mile mark and decided it was time to turn back, an extra untested 15 miles for me was probably enough. A red dinosaur vending machine from days gone by was placed on the trail for everyone’s laugh followed by a turtle heard saying: “I’ll get to the finish line too!”

We went over bridges and along Lake Monroe in Sanford to see an eagle monument with the words: “A nation united can never be conquered” by Thomas Jefferson. To commemorate my 70th birthday next month I thought 70 miles would be appropriate.  While I’m at it 80 miles for my 80th birthday was recorded just in case I can’t do 80 miles at age 80!  The ride ended at 81.5 miles at the Tin & Tacos starting point in Lake Mary. It was time for tacos and a drink for the participants along with stories from the riders.  There were several riders in the lead group doing the 120 miles trying to keep up with one particular rider but struggled with the fast pace.  Turns out the lead guy was a ‘Pro’ class rider who happened to be in Florida. He passed me at about the 70 mile mark and he did 40 more miles!  Of course the CAAM Events organizer was a pleasure to meet and he filled our packet with 12 more events for 2023.  This ride was so much fun I’ll have to do another one on my way to achieving my first Century 100-mile ride.