Recovery and Reflection
I survived the remaining 3 days of the Team 242 ride, but for most of the trek I was wiped from the long mileage of the first day. The experience was great and the group was so much fun. Although some of the photos probably aren’t as funny unless you know the stories to go with them, there are some that are sure to make you laugh and they all are evidence of how much fun we had.
The ride tested my limits mainly because I wasn’t quite in the shape I should have been. I biked about 340 miles in 4 days, in everything from scorching sun to a cold downpour. Prior to my adventure, the longest single ride I had ever done was 70 miles. On the first day of the ride I logged about 110 hilly miles. The Wisconsin scenery was beautiful to say the least. My most vivid memories include a field of fresh hay bales with a “perfect” farm in the background and a herd of buffaloes in the distance which stampeded at the sight of our bikes. Eight years ago when I was living in Wausau I wouldn’t have enjoyed the scenery as much. Now that I’m a city slicker I have a whole new appreciation for it.
Within about 3 hours of dismounting my bike on the last day (Tuesday) I started feeling rather sick. I’ll spare everyone the details but today I am finally feeling better. I’m not sure if it was a 3 day bug, something I ate or drank or just severe dehydration. The good news is I am getting my appetite back and I’m planning on eating everything in sight very soon. I’ve very grateful that my illness did not occur sooner and I was able to ride the four days I had planned.
I’d very much like to do the David Browne ride again some time, but it likely won’t be an option for me next year as I will have graduate school through the summer. I’m happy to say the ride has introduced me to some awesome new friends, helped me appreciate life a little more, and turned me into an official cycling enthusiast. As long as I don’t have to get on a bike anytime soon… 
Team 242 Day One
Finished day one and it was a killer but rewarding to finish. From Westby we passed through LaCrosse, stopping at the City Brewery for a rest. The tour didn’t start until noon, so some of us stayed and some of us continued on. I decided to push onwards since it was already late in the day. From LaCrosse headed through Onalaska, to Blair where we grabbed a very late lunch. After this we only had about 25 miles to finish in Osseo. Lots of hills and very hot sun but overall the weather cooperated. The forecast was for 60% rain so considering that we lucked out.
Tomorrow should be interesting. I don’t think I’ve ever been this sore except for my marathon. The route should be shorter - only about 80 miles as opposed to today’s 110. Today was my first centary and the longest ride of my life. Onwards…