First Century of 2010

I know there are people out there who take part in 200-, 300-, 400-, 750- mile brevets, and who average 100-mile days riding across the country, but I think 100 miles is pretty far. So I'm pleased with myself when I have a pleasant and successful 100-mile day.

For the first century of the season, I rode around the Leelanau peninsula: Empire to Glen Arbor to Leland to Northport to the tippy-tip lighthouse to Lake Leelanau to Cedar to Maple City and back to Empire. (It was probably slightly less than 100 miles; I think my odometer/speedometer runs long/fast.)

The weather was good, starting out cool and cloudy but eventually becoming warm and sunny. There was no wind to speak of, and traffic was light.

I stopped after 27 miles for a raspberry white chocolate scone and Stone House Bakery in Leland, where I sat down by the harbor watching the boats and boaters while I snacked and sipped my coffee (brought in a small metal insulated flask). I then went another 22 miles before stopping at Leelanau State Park at the tip of the peninsula for a cheese sandwich, granola bars, and the rest of my coffee. The next stop was 25 miles later, along the side of the road on my portable stool, having another cheese sandwich and a granola bar. The final stop was at the county park outside Maple city, marshaling my energy for the biggest climb of the ride at the south end of Glen Lake.

Although I only used it once, I was glad to have my folding stool, dorky though it seems. I was feeling whipped at mile 77, and there weren't parks anywhere near. Having the stool to sit on as I leaned up against a sign was better than sitting on the ground. The stool fits in a water bottle cage, weighs very little, and takes seconds to open and close. What's not to like (other than looking dorky)?

I carried everything in my Velo Orange handlebar and seat bags, which is the new bag configuration on the Rambouillet. Worked well. Contrary to Velo Orange's expectations, I actually attach the handlebar bag to the handlebars, rather than resting it on a front rack. I didn't like the floppiness of the bag on the rack, and it was too far below the handlebars to be useful. Instead, I rigged up a bag holder for the handlebars from a 1/4" steel rod (similar to Velo Oranges "rackaleur" but lots cheaper and uglier). With mini-bungies connecting the bag to the handlebars just below the brake levers, the bag is completely secure--no swaying, no wobbling. And I like having it up high, right where I can get at it while I ride. I can flip the top open, grab an apple, and keep riding. Also, the map is easier to read when it is at handlebar level.

I never liked the seat post rack, but I liked how it rode.