Wow, what a day. The challenge was immense but the reward was even greater. So emotional and inspiring. Struggled a lot more than I thought I would at the end, but it was an early day (up at 4:40) and HOT the latter half. The route from Granville to Gambier is no joke. The jaunt up 357 was mentally taxing, I've never struggled so much on Reynolds, and the hills were non-stop (and some large) from Utica to the finish. It also seems like very few people choose the Reynolds option, so I was alone for long segments. There were so many highlights, though. The people I met on the ride, the thousands lining the streets (some in tears); the signs thanking us for saving lives; the beer handout with a Krispie Kream to boot; the volunteers; Mom, Anma, Becky, Debbie, and Steve at Burnside and Jug, Judy and Steve following me and seeing me in Granville and Utica, Whitney and Harlow at the finish (with both sets of parents) with a handmade sign... There were several times I nearly cried. I'm so glad I committed to doing this ride, and I'm glad I pushed myself to do this route. The struggle felt right.