Sometimes these long rides are "routine". This one was not. First, at mile 21, I got a thorn in my tire. At least it was already daylight by then, and the location had a railing, making it easy to lean things against. Then, at mile 150, I had stomach problems, which rarely happens to me. I think it was the water from a water fountain that I used to fill my bottles. Note to self: no more water from local parks! The third thing happened 10 miles from the end, in darkness. My seat decided to tilt. I didn't want to deal with it at that point so I thought I could ride the final miles standing up. But, I couldn't, I was too tired. Luckily at that moment I passed a housing development that had super bright lights. So, I figured out what was wrong and tightened it. No issues after that.
Overall, though, it was a good day. Overcast , not hot at all, and the sun rarely came out. I'm glad it's over though. 😊
BTW, I did this ride during the week so that I could volunteer with the actual event on Saturday June 27. During the actual event, riders get bottled water and real food. I'll be driving the truck that delivers it to the various rest stops.