Short version – didn’t make it. Managed 130 miles, but that wasn’t the deal. Disappointed, and imagine I’ll need to go back and give it another shot. As Carlo mentioned (also finishing at about 130) the next day…. “I feel so unfulfilled.” Totally sums it up.

Epic stuff, great companions and I’ll be better prepared next time! (May be next year at the rate things are going)

About 75 miles in started having some trouble with my right knee. Odd, as I’d not ever had knee problems before and had more than that mileage a number of times this year. Annoying, but manageable. By about 100 miles I was also having achilles pain in my right leg. The hurt combined with our overall pace (not fast enough) was conspiring to have some of us talking about only doing Cumberland to Brunswick, MD.

Around 107 miles or so I hit a root (poorly) which put me on my ass before I knew what happened. Literally no notice. Joe was kind, and expressed his surprise as he ran over me and my bike. To be fair, we were lying prone directly in front of him, but I appreciate that he made it obvious he wasn’t aiming for me or anything. (Sorry Joe.)

Add some bleeding to the left leg, steady pain from the right and I’m ready to acknowledge this isn’t the day. (Turns out it may have been more adult like than I’m known for – it’s six weeks later and I’m still having achilles trouble.)

Here’s some photos regardless – as noted it was an awesome experience and I’ll be better prepared next time!