Century #1 - 2006

I rode my first century of the new year on Saturday. For this ride I took out my trusty multi-speed bike, a Novara Strada that I have had for almost two years now.

This century marked the one year anniversary of our riding goal from 2005 to complete one century per month for the entire year. I managed to ride 10 out of the 12 centuries that my friend Chris rode to complete his goal. After completing all 12, Chris learned that a friend had been able to extend his one year goal to 14 months. Naturally, the new goal is to go for 15 months of riding a century per month.

Yesterday was century number 13 and was ridden on the same course as last January - the Daffodil classic in Orting. This year we did not get lost and completed both loops as designed by the Tacoma Wheelmen. We rode the South loop first and were joined by two other friends and a rider from my God Son's Jr. racing team - ASC Junior Racing (aka Oh Boy Oberto!). This loop seemed pretty flat and I actually rode the first 25 miles in one gear and then the second 25 miles in a slighter higher gearing when Chris decided to "up the tempo."

The North loop was after lunch and was just Chris and I. This one has a steep climb after about 8 miles on the flat. This loop was not to be completed pretending to ride a single speed. We got wet, muddy and had a fun time. The sun even came out for the 25 miles or so of the ride. As we were riding through the neighborhoods of Orting (putting in enough miles to get up to 100) we saw an eagle and got some awesome views of Mt. Rainier.

The South loop included some adventure riding when we encountered a road sign. Did we follow the detour? Of course not. We rode through the road closed signs and eventually had to get off our bikes and poach our way through the construction site by crossing over a bridge that is being rebuilt.

It isn't a ride unless you have a bit of adventure! All in all it was a great ride. Of course, it is a great ride any time you are on your bike.