Anyone do the North Shore Century yesterday?

It was my longest single-day ride to date, 131 miles from home to the starting point in Evanston, then to Kenosha, back to Evanston, and then back home. 8 stops (5 actually on the ride + 1 "unauthorized ice cream stop"), 12 hours. I was unprepared, my longest ride this year was 40 miles, and I was on a brand new saddle (ouch!), and I just barely managed to tune up my road bike the day before, with help from a friend.

My body was upset with me last night, I couldn't get my core temp down, and was hurting in places I don't care to specify. I also neglected to use sunblock. Today I feel much better, but didn't exactly feel like getting on my bike and riding to work. I did anyway.

I witnessed a couple of cyclists on the century pulled over by a police officer in Zion. As I passed I wasn't sure they were part of the century (I thought they didn't have helmets) but I heard later they were part of the ride. Apparently they were pulled over in a residential area for blowing through a stop sign. Mostly people didn't stop at stop signs if there was no traffic, as you'd expect.

I was honked at angrily by a couple of motorists, once for just being on the road, and another for taking too long to get through an intersection. I hate to admit it, but I was not at my friendliest when riding 131 miles. I flipped both of them off.

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Permalink Reply by millenial removing Bernie tattoo on September 13, 2010 at 9:15am
From what I overhead at the rest stops, people were also being pulled over for riding 3+ abreast.

I had fun, perfect day to do a long ride.
Permalink Reply by Will on September 13, 2010 at 9:20am
envane x said:
From what I overhead at the rest stops, people were also being pulled over for riding 3+ abreast.

Wow, is there a law against riding 3 abreast? I've never heard of anything like that. When I'm riding, I'll often take up the entire lane (riding down the center) if there is no bike lane, a bunch of potholes on the edge of the lane, or the road is just too narrow. Is that illegal too?
Permalink Reply by millenial removing Bernie tattoo on September 13, 2010 at 9:35am
Certain jurisdictions have laws against it, namely Lincolnshire (this would have been on Old Elm Rd. and St Mary's Rd. strecth). There are even signs warning about it.

Will V. said:
envane x said:
From what I overhead at the rest stops, people were also being pulled over for riding 3+ abreast.

Wow, is there a law against riding 3 abreast? I've never heard of anything like that. When I'm riding, I'll often take up the entire lane (riding down the center) if there is no bike lane, a bunch of potholes on the edge of the lane, or the road is just too narrow. Is that illegal too?
Permalink Reply by Digital Dario on September 13, 2010 at 9:36am
Absolutely! And my tan lines are worse from this one than the perimeter ride. I was only honked at once by some lady in a dark blue convertible VW beetle about 5 miles from the finish line on Sheridan who said something about getting on the sidewalk, at first I was a bit angry, but then the sidewalk ended immediately on the next block down and I just had to laugh. Perhaps it was all the miles.

For me the only things that are sore today are my legs which judging from my experience is exactly what should be hurting. To me the hardest miles were about 60-75 where I lost the group I was with and became convinced I had missed the last stop. It was an awesome experience and I can't wait to beat my time by at least an hour next year.
Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on September 13, 2010 at 9:43am
Congrats Ruben! I knew you could do it.

Ruben Dario said:
Absolutely! And my tan lines are worse from this one than the perimeter ride. I was only honked at once by some lady in a dark blue convertible VW beetle about 5 miles from the finish line on Sheridan who said something about getting on the sidewalk, at first I was a bit angry, but then the sidewalk ended immediately on the next block down and I just had to laugh. Perhaps it was all the miles.

For me the only things that are sore today are my legs which judging from my experience is exactly what should be hurting. To me the hardest miles were about 60-75 where I lost the group I was with and became convinced I had missed the last stop. It was an awesome experience and I can't wait to beat my time by at least an hour next year.
Permalink Reply by Tank-Ridin' Ryan on September 13, 2010 at 9:49am
Not liking the cyclists' tan, eh?

Well done on cranking out the miles.

Ruben Dario said:
Absolutely! And my tan lines are worse from this one than the perimeter ride. I was only honked at once by some lady in a dark blue convertible VW beetle about 5 miles from the finish line on Sheridan who said something about getting on the sidewalk, at first I was a bit angry, but then the sidewalk ended immediately on the next block down and I just had to laugh. Perhaps it was all the miles.

For me the only things that are sore today are my legs which judging from my experience is exactly what should be hurting. To me the hardest miles were about 60-75 where I lost the group I was with and became convinced I had missed the last stop. It was an awesome experience and I can't wait to beat my time by at least an hour next year.
Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on September 13, 2010 at 9:51am
Pictures please......
Permalink Reply by Tank-Ridin' Ryan on September 13, 2010 at 9:52am
Of cycling tan lines? hehehe

Julie Hochstadter said:
Pictures please......
Permalink Reply by millenial removing Bernie tattoo on September 13, 2010 at 9:52am
My sandal tanlines are dope as fuq.
Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on September 13, 2010 at 9:57am
Congratulations to you as well, Will.

Fortunately you've got some wiggle room when it comes to your friendliness. Even when impaired, I'm guessing you're still pretty friendly.
Permalink Reply by Eduardo on September 13, 2010 at 10:11am
I was the one that got that ticket. I did a rolling stop and got pulled over. According to the officer, she witnessed 4 cyclist almost get hit, but she decided to give me a ticket instead.

Kenosha went from run down ghetto to pristine lakefront mansions in minutes. I saw beautiful modern homes on route including a Frank Lloyd Wright home. Despite getting a flat tire on my car on my way to Evanston, starting the century late 8:40am, and getting a ticket while riding my bike. I still had a good time.
Permalink Reply by Digital Dario on September 13, 2010 at 10:24am

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