Today I got to do something very fun while on the clock at my local bike shop. I got to drive the tall roof work van as a support vehicle in a 60 mile charity road race.

I have always been into bikes but truth be told racing BMX and now e-MTB is more my flavor. I am a bit of a newbie when it comes to most things road bike.

I showed up an hour early to the event in the work van and helped a few people with last minute fixes on their bikes. Mostly tire pressure top offs but I did save the day for a nice lady who needed a tube change minutes before the race started.

The course made its way out to the county between Winston Salem and High Point on a gorgeous, cool Saturday morning.

You could not ask for a better day for a road race. It was around 60° when the race started and breezy…perfect.

These athletes amazed me with their ability to tackle the rolling hills around Winston and maintain a fantastic pace. It almost makes me want to get a road bike and join them!


I LOVED how the riders drafted my high roof work van. It was fun to supply them with water and energy gels.

What a FUN Saturday!

Many people's version of hell.

Check out the "hotter-n-hell" hundred bike ride...Last weekend in August.. Wichita Falls ,Texas... 25 miles(1/4 century) /50 miles (1/2 century)/ 62 miles (metric century)/ 100 miles (full century)...... Late 80"s(?) did one of these rides.. starting line in excess of 11,000 riders...Starting line was a actual 4 lane road divided hwy with a raised medium..... About 1/2 of that number had signed up for the full century (100 miles).... 35 states and several forgein countries represented......Road bikes / mountain bikes / bikes built for 2 riders / recumbants style / even penny farthings (big large front wheel w/tiny rear wheel) / 3 wheeers / you name it --it probably was probably there / etc...... I was about 1/2 way back in the pack from the 100 mile start group....Almost 5 full minutes before was able to get both feet locked into the pedals after the starting cannon was fired....For me it was 7 hours 8 minutes actual time on the bike to complete the century ride.... At same time a actual race (pro riders)(for prizes) on basic same route completed 92 miles in about 3 hours 30 minutes time... Support stations (sag points)along route (water /snacks /shade provided by large military tents(sided rolled up) / medical personel/ as well as support vehicles for bike repairs or rider pick up for those not wanting to or not able to complete the ride..... Ham radio operators along the route to handle communications as needed... AS a ham myself wanted to go back and offer my services but just have not yet done so..... Myself and 4 others had traveled from Baton Rouge, La for this event.. Wonderfull memories of the pain and joy when crossing the finish line........................... drill sgt.

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Originally posted by drill sgt:
Check out the "hotter-n-hell" hundred bike ride...Last weekend in August...100 miles (full century)....

Completed this 2-3 times when I was stationed at Fort Sill back in 1986-90. Kicked my ass....

Did one up in OKC once, too.