Today, Yankee Beemer Mike Andrews ran his Tin Butt 500 ride - 500 miles in 12 hours. The route was a devious one, which took us through seven states. Starting in Ashland, MA, we went to Rhode Island, Connecticut, back to MA, Vermont, New York, VT again, New Hampshire, Maine, and ended in Sherborn, MA.
Aside from Mike and me, there were two other participants that I know of, although I don't know their names.
I was unable to finish. The route was quite heavy on twisty back roads and I was unable to push it hard enough to make the time. Which brings me to...
The weather: This was without question the coldest day I've ever spent in the month of August. There was clouds, rain (not much), mist, and lots of fog. On a sunnier day I might have been able to pull this off, although it still would have been a push. I knew I was in trouble when I was still in Maine with less than 90 minutes to deadline.
Ultimately, I punted. I called Mike and told him I wasn't going to be able to make it, and headed for home, rather than for Sherborn. I didn't quite make the 500 miles, but I probably would have if I'd followed Mike's route to Sherborne. As it stands, I did about 475 in just under 13 hours.
To say that my hat is off to the people riding the Iron Butt rally would be to grossly misrepresent the position of my hat. My hat is off, trampled, and laid at their feet.
Aside from Mike and me, there were two other participants that I know of, although I don't know their names.
I was unable to finish. The route was quite heavy on twisty back roads and I was unable to push it hard enough to make the time. Which brings me to...
The weather: This was without question the coldest day I've ever spent in the month of August. There was clouds, rain (not much), mist, and lots of fog. On a sunnier day I might have been able to pull this off, although it still would have been a push. I knew I was in trouble when I was still in Maine with less than 90 minutes to deadline.
Ultimately, I punted. I called Mike and told him I wasn't going to be able to make it, and headed for home, rather than for Sherborn. I didn't quite make the 500 miles, but I probably would have if I'd followed Mike's route to Sherborne. As it stands, I did about 475 in just under 13 hours.
To say that my hat is off to the people riding the Iron Butt rally would be to grossly misrepresent the position of my hat. My hat is off, trampled, and laid at their feet.