My First Century+
By Christopher Allen

One thing I had always wanted to do was ride a Century. A group from our favorite spinning salon, Revolution, came together to ride the 2001 El Tour de Tucson last November. Let me start by saying we had a great mix of people: This alone was reason enough to do the ride.

We trained as a group for 12 weeks by riding the PCH and various climbs off it with a coach, Gary Kobat. We had all done at least a 90 miler before we left for Tucson, where would ride 111 miles. During this training, I started to learn what GU, Endurox and other body fuels were. I also bonked once, something I will remember to avoid in the future. I lost 20 pounds while training so I felt pretty good in front of the event. In addition, I planned how to tackle the ride with my cycling mentor, Nate Loyal.

Two riders drove our bikes down in a van before we all linked up at the swank Loews Ventana Resort. We were increasingly nervous as start time approached the next morning The City of Tucson really gets pumped for this event, and every local person was super nice from start to finish.

After a large breakfast, we left for the starting line in downtown Tucson. I think we arrived a couple hours before the 7AM start. We prepped our stuff in the very cold desert air, but were told ride conditions were going to be far better than those in past years. Our coach got us to the start line in the front. I soon realized there were two start lines; one for us novices and another for pros. I looked over to see a Postal rider- Robbie Ventura- this was no weekend rider. The pros radiated such ease- chilling with girlfriends and spinning their legs. I was so nervous about bonking, cramping and crashing I could barely move. This was just another long ride for them.

At the start the pros and others who had finished the ride below 6 hours left first, followed by us. We started into a controlled mayhem. I had no idea what "Team in Training" was till I saw these mad dog pace lines of riders blasting through the first 5 miles. I was just trying to avoid a collision at this point. At mile 10, I needed a rest stop as I had hydrated a little too well that morning. The organizers told us that roadside relief was an offense that would be ticketed and also meet with expulsion. So, I started looking for a rest area, supposedly every 5-10 miles. WRONG. After 20 miles, I was really hurting. Finally, I saw the first stop at 25 miles and got off my bike while avoiding about 10 obstacles. With relief obtained, I rode on still dodging Team in Training riders.

The next 40 miles were pretty un-eventful. I stopped a couple more times and decided that I would just relax and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery. For the moment, superb weather took my mind off the clock. Occasionally, I'd see others from my group and chat with them. The rest stops were also better organized further out with the community doing a great job.

About two thirds of the way, we passed through the Canyon Ranch. I had wondered during the past 70 miles why so many racers wore mountain bike shoes on their road bikes. Now I found out. At the bottom of the Canyon Ranch Resort we had to walk a quarter mile through a creek bed. I made decent progress through the rocks but was really freaked out about breaking my Look cleats. In the middle of the creek, there was a much-appreciated rest stop. As I finally hit road surface, my Northwave Team Carbons were trashed but functional.

After 90 miles, I started seeing the end in sight but was getting a little tired. At this point in the Tour, most riders were going as singles or in small groups. As I approached the 105-mile mark, I felt that final surge of energy kick in. At 110 of 111 miles, I was pushing hard. At 111 of 111 miles, I saw no finish line. These are the moments when I get concerned. At one light, I asked a policeman how far the finish was. He casually said two more miles. After 111 miles, two more miles was like the whole Friday marina ride tacked onto the end. Time slowed to a crawl as I pushed the cranks. Just when I thought I'd never see the finish, I made a right turn and sprinted over the white line.

That night, I ate two large Filet Mignons at Sullivan's. I later learned that a tandem bike with 2 pros had won with the Postal rider, Robbie Ventura, being the top single. As for myself, I had crossed a hurdle in my brain.

I think I will do it again this year but now I will be watching the clock.