If I had to pick a place and a day to do my first century since around 1998, it would have been the 2001 Hope Ride, an annual event held in Hope, Indiana. I could not possibly have asked for a better experience. The day started when I met up with some buddies from the Southern Indiana Wheelmen who were making the drive up to Hope with me. Starting out at the good ol’ Love’s Truck Stop in Memphis, Indiana, we made our way to the starting point at Hauser High School on State Road 9 in about 45 minutes.
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| Rolling along in the morning, my shadow keepin me company. |
At the school, we registered for the 100 mile route, and paid for the ride. It’s for a good cause: The Hope Food Bank and Youth Outreach programs in the community get all proceeds. There was a pancake breakfast, and it seemed like there where hundreds of cyclists there. I had already eaten so I skipped the breakfast. I knew there would be PLENTY to eat along this ride, and there definitely was!
The weather was cool and I wore my arm and leg warmers, but that was plenty. After 50 miles I took em off. The sky was a crystalline blue with fluffy white clouds and the few pics I took don’t really do this ride and this day justice. But anyway, I loved the whole experience. Definitely going back next year. Here are some more pics from the ride:
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| I skipped the first SAG at Hartsville; this one was at Newbern. |
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| Big doins’ at the Winery around mile 33. |
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| What’s a hit party without a line to the restroom? |
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| The sky was crystal blue persuasion. |
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| At the midway point, 50 miles,in front of a mural. |
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| After I missed a Dan Henry, somewhere before Adams VFD rest stop. But the scenery was still just as gorgeous. I got back on route when I realized I missed the turn. |