May 20th, Santa Fe Century: First century of the season. Here’s the stat: 102 miles, 4000+ feet of climbing, 6 hours and 20 minutes.

I did the century ride and Carol the half-century. She finished 44miles in less than 2 hours and 40 minutes. She said she had a great time. Not satisfied with the unglorious 44, she rode around Santa Fe to complete 50 miles! I like that spirit:)

The first 25 miles, up to Madrid, were mostly gentle downhill and I cruised at 23-24mph for the most part, without really exerting. There were a couple of short and fairly steep sections, but nothing difficult. The first serious climb started just outside the town of Madrid. Not a very difficult one, the grade probably touched 6-7% at most.

It was a nice downhill for about 10-12miles before hitting the ‘Heartbreak Hill’. Well, it didn’t break my heart, thanks to Lee Hill drive, Flagstaff Road and Left Hand Canyon. But it was definitely a hard climb. Just about three quarters of a mile, with an average grade of 12% and a maximum of 17%. A lot of people walked it up… obviously, yours truly didn’t.

After that it was a very nice easy descent for many miles, similar to Nelson road from US-36 in Boulder.

Things began to happen after Gallesteo. It was drizzling when I rode into that town. It was fairly gentle climb back to Santa Fe on NM-41 and US-285 after Gallesteo. It was on US-285, at mile 92, that Mother Nature tried to test my will (and she almost succeeded). Heavy rain, strong winds (fortunately not head wind) and hail. I was still climbing. Got wet. Well, drenched. And I began counting in terms of quarter miles:)

The last section of the ride was along I25. It was the first time I was riding on an interstate highway. Despite the wide shoulder, I can’t say I was comfortable with the idea.

Anyway, the ride was very good, and being the first century of the season, I was happy to see finish it under 6:30:)