Elsey Curtis – The Century

December 16, 2011 By: Laurie Curtis

Laurie Curtis

With December’s double whammy of preparation and celebration, reviewing what transpired this past year and setting new goals won’t happen for me until January except concerning one event: The Seagull Century. Ever hear of it?

Just in case a work out buddy of yours suggests you fill out a registration right after New Year’s and you do, here are a few pointers:

1. Remember, you’re asking for leg cramps or “the bonks” if you don’t hydrate more than you think you need.

2. Don’t become stranded on an island in Maine one month before ride day with only a rickety 40-year-old 3-speed English racer as your training bike. However, if you do, enjoy the gorgeous ocean views and glimpse of Mt. Washington towering in the distance. This peak, more than seventy miles away in New Hampshire, is not visible during summer’s haze.

3. Avoid being rear-ended and entering a five-car pile-up on the Bay Bridge mid-afternoon the Friday before the Saturday of race/ride date even if you are lucky enough to meet somebody as nice as Adam who offers to true your bike tires.

4. If you happen to bump into my husband Chip and he tells you to tell Adam you appreciate his offer but no thanks, don’t listen. You could find yourself riding the first 23 miles of the Seagull Century on Saturday morning with both brakes dragging and a front wheel that thrrr-umps.

5. Be sure to hug and kiss all free mechanics strategically situated along rest stops from this point on who can fix anything on your bike within five minutes or less. They are angels and gifted folks who know their stuff.

So what was memorable about the 100 mile ride in Salisbury, Maryland in 2011? The
spectacularly clear and colorful fall weather? Winding in and out of wild horses grazing on the grass on Assateague after crossing the bridge? Cherry pie served with ice-cream to all riders? Celebratory dinner and drinks with my workout buddy and our spouses following an awesome all-day ride? Meeting up with friends at their amazing abode on Pine Island for two days of extended weekend and beach time? All of the above and much more.

Even the last thirty miles of gusting headwinds were beautiful. They helped me realize all my gym time whenever I snagged it at BrickBodies during the previous year reaped healthful reward. I finished the ride.

As for other awards? No garland, ribbons, or prizes await the regular Jo or Joanna. We simply return home feeling fortunate, confident, and/or crazy enough to plan for some other personal physical contest the next year. Ever hear of El Camino de Santiago de Compostela? A 30-day 800 kilometer trek through amazing scenery including the southern tip of France, a peak or two of the Pyrennes, and stellar vistas of Spanish countryside– Wow!