The RAIN Report

A small introduction before I include the RAIN ride report as written by Neal Bowers. While I have had a tough time this season and some discouraging moments in my own training that has not been the case of the brew crew team (as this is the best nickname for the group at the moment) in the 2009 season. I have watched, heard and lightly participated in some of the training events leading up the 160 mile RAIN (Ride Across Indiana) one day event. Most of the group in the latter weeks were training well over 100 miles on a number of their training rides and it was always exciting to hear how, for the most part, many of them were to able to train together. Then to go up together for the event, stay together and finish with such an incredible performance it is just exciting to think how epic this event was. Who knew when Neal brought up the idea months ago that these 12 cyclists and would have pulled together in solidarity and finished so well.

Here is Neal's ride report.


"To All:

Another epic bike adventure is in the books!! There will very little embellishment in this report but will just let the stats speak for themselves.

12 bikers, but 9 (Diane, Jamie, Nancy, Alan, Glenn, Keith, Peter, Rod & Ron) in the lead group completed the 160 miles in just over 9.30 hrs (total clock time). This time included recovery from a spill Glenn made doing nearly 24 mph. Luckily the ditch was soft. The team's average speed was over 21 mph. Please compare that average with most of the 45-60 mile rides from the Brewery. It was beneficial to have a high of 71 deg with 8-10 NW winds and moderately flat roads, although there were over 5,100 ft of climbing. This puts Team NARC somewhere between the top 20 and 25% of riders.

Two riders (Bill and Neal) came in at 9.8 hrs (Neal had a rear flat) with an average just under 20 mph. Based on last year's stats, this should put them in the top 33%.

Gayle came in at 10.7 hrs. She completed the ride nursing a quad muscle that kept wanting to cramp up. She did make some new friends from Indianapolis and may get a jersey out of the adventure.

The two Superhero nominees of this ride are Bill Adkins and Gayle Kruger. It was just three weeks ago Bill was overcome with dehydration and heat issues after the C'ville century. He was not able to train as hard to prepare for Indiana. Gayle decided to do RAIN knowing she might not be able to keep up with the group and may have to ride solo for much of the 160 miles.

Hats off the both for overcoming difficulties that would stop a lesser person.

I do not know who should get the "Iron Man" award for pulling as it was shared by all the riders. It was a genuine team effort; however, I do know that Keith and Rod put on one "hell of a show" while on the front.

Not sure of the category but it may be "Adventure Cyclist of 2009" and the nominee is Nancy Alexander. She has been biking less than 3 years and in 2008 has completed "Up the Creek", 1 Mtn, 1 State, "Cherohala Challenge", the backside of Hopgen and RAIN. Not sure what is left for 2009.

Lastly, a round of applause for our intrepid PSV drivers (Anne, Ellis, Terry,Courtney & Chuck). These folks braved the crowded roads to make sure the riders had what they needed to continue on whether it was food, water or just general encouragement.

It was a great day on the bike and a great day to be shared with friends.

Your obediant servent and "directeur sportif",

Neal Bowers"