MDT Airport Loop

After a weekend filled with good friends, good bbq, and great stories, our home was once again back to a dull roar. After cleaning the patio, and doing the remaining dishes, i decided to head out on the bike. It was very hot and humid, and I was curious to see if I could with stand the heat on the road.

I also wanted to get as many miles in this week as possible, due to missing my 100 mile target last week.

So if filled the water bottles with the new Acclerade that is now found in your local super market, and headed out.

It was stupid hot out, but for some reason I thought i would head out to the Harrisburg International Airport, and back. I figured that it would be a total of around 50 to 60 miles.

I got out to the airport with an average speed of 17mph, which i thought was pretty good, I also from the start that i wasn't going to kill myself today, and was out just for the miles.

I did the loop at the airport then headed back to York...

As I started back, i realized that there was a very Strong head wind and very dark clouds in front of me. I didn't think i had a strong tail wind going to the airport, but a good thunderstorm can change things quick.

Given the heat, i had drained my water bottles and was starting to get desperate for a mini mart that i had passed on my way to the airport.

I arrived none to soon, and refueled with Gatorade. While there a gentleman whom passed me going towards the airport on my return.. Pulled up as i was getting back on the bike. We chatted for a moment. And then he insinuated that he would see me later. Like hell he will see me later.

For god sakes, can't he see that i'm Riding a MASI Grand Crit?? and that his lowly full carbon trek is no match for it... I'll be damned if he was going to reel me back in.

With new found motivation, I got back on 441 with 18 miles to get back to Columbia then 10 back to the house. I just kept dumping the coal on and was moving pretty good through the wind.

After a while i forgot about the gent on the trek and settled into a good rhythm and was focusing on outrunning the rain and the Chickies Rock climb... I figured if the guy passed me going up the climb then he deserved it.

However at mile 50 I heard the air let go from my rear tire, and alas i had to stop and repair the flat...

However after looking at my rear tire, I put a 1 inch tear in the tire, and new it wouldn't make it the rest of the way home. I used a dollar bill inside the tire, and then inserted a new tube. Just as i was doing that, a pickup truck pulled up, and low and behold the trek dude was in it. He had some mechanical and was getting a lift back.. We got my tire inflated, we both agreed given the damage to the tire itself, that it wasn't likely for me to make it the 10 miles home not to mention the tire was only at 60 lbs of air, far short of the 130 the tire takes, so i called in for my support crew to come in and pick me up. (Beth and Pumpkin Pants)

I did get to climb the majority of the Rock before being plucked off the road.

With that, it is time to invest in a new frame pump, and stock up on tires.

I was disappointed that i didn't get to finish the ride, but also satisfied knowing that i could have.

Hopefully we will have better luck next time.


Ride Details here
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