Cannonball Ride

Deidre and I went to Fredericksburg for an impromptu ride at the end of September (25th) and rode 65 miles in the Cannonball Century. Apparently this ride happens every year, but I've never heard of it before.

We started out from Curtis Memorial Park. We were a bit of a disaster. Didn't register until that day, just a little bit late. Couldn't find registration. Thought we needed a packet but didn't. I can't remember exactly (forgot to write this post in a timely way), but for some reason we came to the attention of the organizers multiple times with our random wanderings. 

Eventually we got on the road.

It was colder than we expected--somewhere in the 50s--so we needed our long sleeves and long pants. 

I don't really think of Fredericksburg as that pretty - it certainly isn't France, but we did pass a vineyard!

Eventually the long sleeves came off. I had one shirt tied around my waist and the other shoved in my bag. My bag was so stuffed I couldn't easily get my phone in and out for pics, so there are only a few.

At the rest stops, they served primarily candy and sweets: little candy bars and animal crackers. That's not really my thing. I did eventually get a banana and some banana bread, and later, some pretzels. But with all the candy--and fall having just started--I thought it appropriate to pass "Boo St." 

Deidre cranking along. This was her first ride of this length...in a while...ever? I'm not sure. I just know it was the longest ride she recorded on Strava. And her watch was dying.

This is pretty much what it looks like around Fredericksburg. We did also pass a lot of little homesteads with goats. A lot of goats.

In the end, 64 miles. Yes, we are rounding. Deidre made it! (not that I doubted it).

Deidre and I went for a beer at a nearby brewery to celebrate the day then headed home. Great day!