Gold Coast

Every once in a while, a plan works out well. Today was such a day.

The Gold Coast Ride, which I've done a few times, starts in Huntington. But it has always passed right through Syosset, where I usually begin my Sunday rides. Last week, I noticed that the fresh marking for the Gold Coast once again came right through Syosset. I checked last year's ride and noted that Berry Hill Road was at mile 63 of the ride and that there were approximately ten miles from there until the end of the ride back in Huntington.

Since I am always looking for ways to save time, I decided to start my ride from the LIRR station in Syosset, do the first ten miles on my own, register at Huntington, and end the ride back in Syosset. This way, I was able to start my ride at 6:30 rather than 7.

The day was warm even at 6:30, but I knocked out the first 10.5 miles pretty quickly. I was able to register, make a quick pit stop and get back on my bike in about ten minutes. I hammered the first part of the ride, riding with a group for a while and following a couple for most of the way until the first rest stop, at mile 20 (30 for me). In trying to keep up with the couple, I probably pushed a bit hard since my heart rate pushed 180 a few times.

I spent just a few minutes at the rest stop, loaded up with some nasty water (from a hose), and went on my way. I rode most of this section on my own and kept a steady pace. I climbed the short but steep (12 percent grade) hill up to Sea Cliff and then motored back down the other way.

Then. I had an inspiration. By my calculations, the next rest stop was about three miles away (at mile 48 (58 for me). Rather than go there (and wait on line for a port-o-san and hose water), I decided to stop instead at a beach parking lot at the bottom of the hill that had it's own bathroom. After a quick pit stop, I poured some water over my head, and replaced my horrible hose water with ice cold bottled water that I got from a vending machine.

I bypassed the next rest stop and finished the last 20 miles without event. The cold water couldn't have hurt because I felt very strong despite the modest but steady climbing that took up much of the last section. I was glad I did the first ten miles at 6:30, because doing them at high noon would certainly have been more difficult. I love it when a plan comes together.

I finished the 74.68 miles in 4:52 (4:38 moving time) for an average speed of 15.3/16.1. I climbed 4038 feet. My average heart rate was 156 and my high was 181. I burned 3676 calories.
All in all, not a bad day. I will not be invited to join a professional team any time soon, but not bad for a 55 year old piker.