Miles: 105.51
Avg. Speed: 13.4
Max Speed: 49.9
Time: 7:51:16
I'll start out with the ride description given at the top of the cue sheet for the day:
"Huge day on the bike. This is the "Final exam." This ride is very challenging. The first 40 miles feature several big climbs and treacherous descents. Last 60 miles is more rolling into Gettysburg. Follow "S" Penn DOT bike route signs most of the way but be careful of missing signs. This route was funded during the time that Tom Ridge was governer of PA. Mr. Ridge is an avid cyclist."
That was what we liked to hear, especially the "treacherous descents." All of the climbing of today along with the weather (100 degrees with almost 100% humidity), definitely made for a challenging day, but it was nothing we couldn't handle, especially after already biking 45 days straight. I surprisingly felt really strong all day. The views and the back roads were once again exquisite. I definitely give props to the people who made the system of road trails accross pennsylvania, the back roads were ideal for road biking and well marked. So in Breezewood we decided to have our second breakfast where I had a sausage egg mcmuffin and a syrup container (energy shot). We stopped a couple of times at gas stations for cold drinks and to soak up the air conditioning for a little bit, which was refreshing. Coming down the last hill of the day, me and Sean decided to pedal as fast as we could to try to get 50 mph. Unfortunately, my computer was still broken, so I was just relying on Sean's. So we were going along, pedaling as fast as we can, going about 46, then a semi comes behind us and we catch its draft and get pulled along for a little bit. And let me tell you, that is the fastest I've ever pedaled, my legs were moving so fast in my highest gear. We got to the bottom and learned that our official top speed was only 49.9 mph. Oh well. It was a nice easy relaxing ride the rest of the way into Gettysburg. Tonight and tomorrow we are staying at the Middle school which is pretty much in the middle of town. It was hot outside and inside it wasn't air conditioned so Sean, Liz, and I decided to sleep outside on the grass.