I arrive in Union around 6:15am. I saw Wally, who had one of the best parking spots, and I couldn't believe how crowded it was when I arrived. I talked to Wally on my way into the registration area. He was on the course by 6:30am, and gone when we got back. Wally left a note on my car, stating he did the whole century, and he got rained on twice. I also learned the Udder had 1,200 riders this year - which is a great turn-out.
At 7:30am as planned Jane, Donna, Roy, Momi, Rudy, Chris (the TX Chris) and John D., and Moo took off for the 100. We also saw Doug and Jen at the start, with some other tri-gals.
After the first rest stop the pace increased and certain groups happened naturally. The course is a pretty easy one, with the moderate hills (about 7% grade) at mile 90+.
Here are some highlights...
Mile 30, Rudy, Jane, Chris and I came to a stop, as the first crash of the day happened. It seemed some people touched wheels, and this poor gal was on her back, in the road, next to the turn. A SAG car was called, but after hearing her speak, and there was no blood, we decided she was going to be okay - plus she had plenty of people around her too aid her.
At the turning back point for the 62 miles, Donna, Jane and Chris went back. There was some talk Roy and Momi might turn back, but they decided to go for it, as they should because they're good riders.
When we arrived at the outer most rest stop, the sky was getting black in the West. The SAG/Udder people said, if we wait 20 minutes of so the shit weather would pass over. And it was nasty. Strong winds, heavy down pour, and the temp. dropped at least 15°, from 72°. Rudy offered me two Clif bars for my rain jacket I carried with me. I failed to mention two Clif bars would hardly cover the cost of an ASSOS rain jacket.
So, we all waited in the cold and wind, in a WI pavilion. Roy mentioned he should call Elizabeth - "come and get me, I'm only somewhere in WI." He was kidding of course.
Once it let up, we headed to the last rest stop. When Rudy and I arrived, we learned from Mark (a rider I know), Lenny's brother went down hard doing 25mph. Allegedly, some rider, in front of Lenny didn't like him drafting, so this rider slams on his brakes, allegedly on purpose causing Lenny to crash. I guess his bike frame was okay, but both wheels had broken spokes. Otherwise he's okay, but has some good road rash.
When we got back, those remaining had a some pasta (supplied by the Udder folks) - all in all a very good day out. Despite some rain for a 20 mile section. Not much wind, pretty easy hills - I suppose that's a relative statement. Very good SAG, and food. The roads were in pretty good condition. Very little traffic, and the routes were very well marked.
This was my first time doing the Udder, and I'll do it again schedule permitting. The Udder is held in Union, IL and has been around for
25 years.
Learn more about the Udder at: http://www.mchenrybicycleclub.org
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