This sounded like a good idea on Friday night...

All 4 of us saw the start line, but only 2 of us were at the finish

Well, the trip started off great. Our friends Erika and Ashley met us at our house on Fri. night and we journeyed down to Ellettsville, IN for our weekend of camping and cycling. Everything went smoothly. We dropped off our bikes at the storage area and picked up our fannie flags and wrist bands (yes, we laughed at the words fannie flags also). We set up camp, grabbed a bite to eat, and got a good nights sleep in preparation for the first 50 miles of our journey. The morning went great. We set off on the first 50 at about 9 a.m. We tackled some amazing hills and everyone was in good spirits.

Erika, our most experienced rider (now known as the poster child for helmet safety.)



Ashley, our fearless engineer friend


Stuart is definitely questioning what his wife has gotten him into now.


And then, disaster. So, we had just left the lunch break area where we bravely used the port a potties that undoubtedly all 4000 riders had used before us. Ashley and Stuart were in front while Erika and myself were about 100 yards behind them. We were coming down a hill at about 25 mph and I was talking to Erika. Then she was gone. I look back to see a person in a blue shirt laying in the middle of the road. Luckily, several riders behind us had seen it happen and had already stopped to help. Stuart and Ashley didn't see it happen but figured something was wrong when they looked behind and didn't see us. At first, it appeared that she had a pretty bad concussion and maybe a broken arm. The Hilly Hundred is a well oiled machine when it comes to emergencies and they had a nurse there within 5 minutes and then called for an ambulance. Erika was alert and talking the whole time but we were still pretty worried. The decision was made that Stuart and myself would finish the ride while Ashley rode with Erika to the hospital. After the ride, Stuart and I would go back to camp, pack up, and then meet them at the hospital.


At least she was excited for her first ambulance ride.




So, Stuart and I went along and finished. Our morale was a bit lower as we were worried about our friend. However, we felt really good until about mile 40 and then sort of fell apart. We ended up walking up the last two hills. The course itself was challenging but totally doable. We had a great time with the exception of the drama at mile 25. The scenery was breathtaking as were the hills. We saw some really cool people too. This couple brought their doggy on the back of their bike and she even had her own helmet. Her name is Bitsy.


We loved Bitsy!!


Yep, that's me hunched over my bike regaining my breath after the first of the infamous "Three Sisters" hill.

After we finished, we went about collecting bikes, packing up camp, and heading to the hospital in Bloomington to pick up Ashley and Erika. Everything checked out fine. No broken bones and maybe just a mild concussion. She had some pretty good road rash though and the biggest casualty was her new blue shirt that had to be cut off. We drove back last night and decided that we wouldn't attempt the second day. We feel pretty confident that next year we will be able to complete the whole 100. As for today, we have yet to get out of our pajamas. We have accomplished absolutely nothing but going to the grocery for 2 liters and oreos (yep, still in our pjs and slippers). However, this is a day that we have needed for a long time. Just quality time being lazy together. Good stuff.

We'll keep you posted as to what we hear from CHI this week. Have a good one.