100MoN Race Report #4: 34th Anniversary Edition
We have a running joke in our normal Saturday morning ride. At some point, Barry will say, “We need to cut this short, today is my anniversary and I need to be home by noon, so I can re-propose to her, since that is our tradition.” He is so consistent in this remark that when I was starting to explain to another one of the guys that I had a conflict for today he immediately asked “what’s the matter, is it your anniversary?”
Well, today is not only the 100 Miles of Nowhere, it is actually our wedding anniversary. 34 years ago we were married, in one of my life’s great over-achievements.
In order to try to live up to Barry’s principles of getting done early for the anniversary, and with temperatures predicted in the 90’s, an early start seemed in order. So at a little after 4 am I started the course. Early mornings are a good time for reflection. I realized our neighborhood is really dark, and bugs seem to be strongly attracted to my headlamp. I did also have time to think about the charity aspects of the event, as my laps passed by the home of a friend who is in a very serious fight with cancer.
Other than 3 flats in the first 43 miles, eventually leading me to switch to my commuter/touring bike for the last 57 miles, the ride went along smoothly. I was able to dominate the race, never even seeing the competition. In addition to dominating the local venue, I’d bet I’m in for a podium spot in the world wide “55 and over anniversary” division.
Thanks to Fatty for a fun event, fellow participants for their stories, sponsors for some cool stuff, and to God for including my wife in his blessings to me.
Attached is a photo of my favorite podium girl presenting my award post-race.
– BamaJim
Comment by Dan | 06.6.2011 | 1:54 pm
That would be an awesome Division to be a part of. Congratulations on both the 100 MoN and 34 years of marriage!
Comment by Liz | 06.6.2011 | 1:56 pm
Aww! Happy Anniversary to Bama Jim and Podium Girl! Congrats on winning the division and overcoming three flats (!).
Comment by jodie_a | 06.6.2011 | 2:08 pm
Great job and Happy Anniversary! We should all be so lucky (except for the 3 flats).
Comment by NYCCarlos | 06.6.2011 | 2:11 pm
You should have ridden with the NYC crowd! We had 4 spare TIRES, 12 spare tubes, and 3 floor pumps to help you with those flats!
Congrats on a great ride and great life. I admire you, sir, and your 34 years of marriage :)
Comment by Clydesteve | 06.6.2011 | 2:14 pm
Well done ‘Bama Jim!
Comment by Jesse | 06.6.2011 | 2:36 pm
Aww! Happy anniversary!
Comment by Al | 06.6.2011 | 2:36 pm
4am? That’s a special award in itself – special edition orange jersey!
Comment by Edie | 06.6.2011 | 2:38 pm
Congrats on your victory and Happy Anniversary!
Comment by MattC | 06.6.2011 | 4:02 pm
Agree w/ all…and especially Al (@ 2:36pm)…4am is a division unto itsself! congrats on all fronts…job(s) well done!
Comment by Joe in San Diego | 06.6.2011 | 4:09 pm
Big congrats!
Comment by Jo | 06.6.2011 | 6:34 pm
Happy Anniversary and congrats on completing the 100 miles!
Comment by lynn e | 06.6.2011 | 7:13 pm
Bama Jim I hope your favorite podium girl doesn’t mind that you were sandwiched between “sweet cheeks” (#4146) and “Team Anthony” (#4148).
Comment by Kevin | 06.6.2011 | 7:41 pm
Congrats! And Happy Anniversary!
Comment by Dan | 06.6.2011 | 8:28 pm
Love it!!! You are a lucky man to have such a podium girl! Hopefully 34 is just the beginning.
Comment by Patrick #4091 | 06.7.2011 | 1:40 am
Happy anniversary and congratulations!
Comment by COUGAR55 | 06.7.2011 | 5:20 am
Congratulations on your 34th anniversary and praise to the God from which all your blessings flow.
Comment by Debi | 06.7.2011 | 7:09 am
Sweet and congratulations. Wishing you and yours 34 more!
Comment by Roses | 06.7.2011 | 9:29 am
That’s too funny. Best Wishes to the happy cycling couple.
Comment by Susan | 06.7.2011 | 11:01 am
Great post!
Comment by davidh-marin,ca | 06.7.2011 | 11:15 am
“….4 am start…..early mornings are a good time for reflection…never saw the competition…” DUH!
I think the line that sums all of this, and your marriage, up most succinctly is..”in one of my life’s great over-achievements.
Well done ‘BAMA Jim, you should consider Davis in July. 90 degrees with little humidity. A novel concept.
Podium Girl, I hope you enjoyed sleeping in. Happy Anniversary
Comment by grizzlyadam | 06.7.2011 | 12:15 pm
Congrats! I’m totally using that line…