Trying for a century for the Mass Bike Commuter Challenge that runs today until 5/21 (CRW Spring Century)
Drove to Concord because it looked like the weather would change during the day - I wanted the car in case it warmed up and I could shed clothes (started at 45 degrees Brrr- 2 jackets, long jersey and wicking T) and if it started to rain, it was predicted to be downpours and I didn't want a 5 mile ride home in that.
Basically New London every 2 laps with a couple of miles added each time I stopped.
No pizza ready at 10:30 (6 minute wait) so I rode back to Lowell Road for a couple of miles and then back for pizza - had 33 miles then.
On Lap 2 I drafted a very speedy guy on Rt 225 - I suspect I hit 20, I know I got to 19 a few times.
After New London, armed with a Pepsi in my belly, on Lap 3 I ran into some AIMers at the blinker - Stephanie Shenton, Eileen (Ilene) Reardon, and one other - they were riding faster than I was at the time and seemed organized. At one point the third lady got separated and I offered to help her catch back on. It was a challenge for me because Ilene had really put down the hammer - but we did - and that's when I found out who they were - Stephanie and Ilene shared the lead. Going down 225 they let me take a pull, but they returned on Monument St while I continued to Bedford. Too bad they didn't go that way - we were a well oiled machine by that time. In any event I did laps 3 & 4 and had a LARGE sub and Pepsi. That's when I found rain was expected at 3 PM - so I ate 1/2 and put 1/2 in the car for later.
Laps 5 & 6 were OK and I needed 3 more miles for the 100. So rode out Lowell to the 5 mile point and returned to get a bit over 100 in case other riders did a century for the challenge.
Luckily the rain held off until after 7 PM - I could have done 200K, but chose to go to Costco instead.
All in all a good day. Laps 3 and 5 were charged by a full Pepsi. Laps 2 & 3 were drafting aided.