The event was the River Valley 100 an unsupported ride that started and finished at the Mankato Brewery. By the way, they have a great seasonal Pumpkin Ale, which hit the spot when I arrived back at the brewery. Props to them!
I have to admit I was a little nervous going into this event. One, I had never participated in an unsupported ride. Meaning all of my previous centuries were fully supported, lavish rest stops complete with everything you need and then some. This event, no such thing, Don’t get me wrong, there were places to stop in small towns but they just weren’t every 15 miles or so like in a supported event.
The second reason, I knew absolutely no one! And I mean not a single soul. I arrived at the brewery setup my bike, made sure I had plenty of snacks, beverages, and supplies in my saddle bag or jersey pockets. I registered, signed the waiver and then socialized with the folks. The good news they were a great group of people who welcomed me and made me feel at home.
The ride itself? Well it wasn’t easy. You are immediately greeted with a steep climb. Between miles 5 and 27 you do three more climbs and plunges, and then after mile 27 it’s pretty much rolling terrain. Nothing too significant but by the end of the hundo you are feeling it.
Big shout out to my wife, G-Man and K. They were a rolling fan club and passed us a few times with a bike bell, bike horn and cheered us on. More importantly she had my monthly Feed.com shipment and extra hydration in the car with her that came in handy after mile 50. So while it wasn’t a supported event, I had a rolling support vehicle.
In the end it wasn’t the fastest century I have ever completed but it was fun and I would do the century again, but that is probably more of a pride thing as I’m not happy with my ride time.
Link to my Strava activity: https://www.strava.com/activities/1155879982
Link to the River Valley 100 page: https://rivervalley100.com/about/
The 50/50 Project 