Hillier Than Thou 2006

This year, I was hesitant to do the HTT ride/tour because of (1) lack of training/road mileage, and (2) none of my 'weekend warrior' buddies wanted to do it. That said, I had to psyche myself to do this ride - and do it alone, and to experience the suffering without seeing any of my buddies suffering more than I am (listen Skid). And besides, why would anyone want to skip the best agonizing ride in NJ? I registered on the day of the event, and opted to do the Super Metric, 75+mi - I knew I was not ready for the full century yet. The weather was perfect, although a bit cold at the start. All the riders started at 8am, and those doing the century hustle/timed race really went off at the start. The Super Metric ride had 3 well stocked stops (@Four Sisters Winery, @Millbrook Village, and @Allamuchy Municipal Fire Station - kudos to the volunteers manning the stops for the food and encouragement), and lots of hills. I finished the ride, without any mechanical nor physical problems, before 4pm. I changed clothes and went to the main camp for some food (sausages and hotdogs, anyone?), and listened to some post-ride stories from other riders. The experience was worth the physical suffering, and I intend to come back again next year. Maybe next year, I'll overcome my fear to do the full century. Fiddler's Elbow, Iron Bridge - next year. I almost forgot - my lifesavers - I wouldn't have finished the tour without these: 24x27 plus music from my mp3 phone. :) Links: Ride Map MotionBased Digest