Cider Mill Bike Ride

The Cider Mill Century has been on my calendar for quite some time now. It had options of 25, 50, 70 or 100 miles. It was something I was wavering on up until yesterday. I even thought about calling a friend of mine to see if he was riding, but didn't cuz I was afraid I was going to flake out again. I didn't though! And so glad about it. It was a perfect day for a ride. Just perfect.

I rolled in and went to sign up. Instead of t-shirts, which I have wayyy too many, they opted for pint glasses with 'Cider Mill Century 2009' on one side and the other side has a little person riding their bike down the road. Too cute. And I can use that more than needing yet another t-shirt in my closet. Especially now with the blueberry ale they have at one of the breweries here in town. Already off to a great start. That, along with the slight chill in the air...Ahhh...For real...this is August. Normally at 7:00 am it's already 80 degrees. This morning...in the 50's. Perfect. I also ran into at least a half a dozen friends and we chatted it up before the race started. It was good to see friends I hadn't seen in a while.

So...I decided on 50 miles. I was thinking maybe 25 since I have not been on the bike in three and a half weeks. Kid.You.Not. Sad. I know. But it's the truth. But 25, really? I feel I could do that in my sleep. So 50 it was.

This ride is out in the countryside. We start at Louisburg Cider Mill where they make delish homemade cider and apple cider doughnuts. As everyone is headed out, I look over and there are 4 horses galloping through the pasture. It was so beautiful to see with the sun just beginning to rise and fog hovering the ground.

All in all, the bike ride was pretty easy. Up until the last 10 miles where I think they stuck all the hills! But other than that, there was hardly a wind, the sun was shining, and the temperature was perfect.

After the ride, Hy-Vee catered a scrumptious lunch. I could have sat under the tent with the slight breeze all day talking with Jenny. But I figured I should give my seat up to those coming in from the 70 miler. So before heading home, I grabbed some sparking apple raspberry cider, some pomegranate cider and some apple cider doughnuts. On my way out, I spotted my friend, Craig, coming in off the bike. He missed the 50 mile turn around and ended up doing 70 miles. He still had a smile on his face when he rolled in so it looks as things went well for him. Great job Craig!

Driving home, windows down, sunroof open, I couldn't do anything but smile from ear to ear and sing at the top of my lungs. This is JUST what I needed!