A 7 Hour Concert

July 13, 2010

Day 11 - 127 miles

Today was going to be a long one and I decided to head to Sandy Hook and do the loops out there. Heavy rain was forecast so I did not want to go to far from home. I took my iPod and listen to music for 7 of the 9 hour ride. Wonder what a 64 year old who is not a real music buff listens to, here goes. Bob Dylan, Bruce, James Taylor, Crosby Stills and Nash, Jimmy Buffet, The Dixie Chicks, Paul Simon, Simon and Garfunkel, Elton John and Meatloaf among others. Rather varied group all from the 60s and 70s. Keeps me moving along.

The ride started off real well. South east wind that did not bother me to much early on. There was a very heavy cloud cover but it seemed the rain would hold off. Humidity was high. Brought plenty of food and found a place on the Hook where I can get more water when needed. About the 60 mile mark it looked like the rain was coming. I headed home. Continued all the way back to Sea Girt, fighting a strong wind for 30 miles, where I had been hours earlier. I now had 90 miles and still needed 37 more. The rain came slowly. As I reached near my home, the heavens opened. It was raining so hard I just opened my mouth and it was like a cup of water came in. I was able to ride a 4 mile loop around my home. The rain slowed so I stayed outside. I just did not want to go inside. With 27 miles to go I saw lightening and heard thunder right by me. Inside I went for the last two hours. Luckily I was able to watch the end of the tour. Riding inside just kills my "butt". Long day but completed.

After I came in I saw my iphone had died. Spent the next hour in the ATT store getting a new phone. Came home ate dinner and now I am righting this and then going to bed to start over. I could use an hour of relaxing. Maybe in 12 days.

Total Distance: 128 miles
Total Time: 9 hours
Total Elapsed Time: 9 hours and 30 minutes

Phil