Day 2 of the 1000K is a double century (204 miles). The route heads out to Gilimer, TX and then comes back on a slightly different path to add some variety.
The day 2 alarm clock was set for 5:15 AM as the planned rollout was 6:30 AM. The idea was that we would start late enough to have breakfast in the hotel which we happily learned was back to pre-COVID configuration with eggs, sausage, bacon, biscuits, waffles, and a bunch of other things. All good news for hungry riders. As it turned out, I got downstairs with just a few minutes to spare and I quickly drank a cup of coffee. Dan was anxious to get on the road. Jeff had not come downstairs yet but we were directed to roll and I rolled out with Alan and Amy. The morning was colder than the previous day and the wind was much brisker. Amy stopped to put on leg warmers. Alan and I pedaled along and waited for the group behind us to catch us. That happened soon enough and I was happy to sit on the wheel of the strong wheels as we headed into the wind.
My first memory of Day 2 was arriving to Golden, TX where there is lovely store where pizza is made fresh. The ladies working in the store were making pizza in preparation for a church group but they happily accommodated us by making 3 pizzas for us - 2 meat, 1 veggie. We took a long stop here eating pizza and enjoying the shade of the porch with picnic tables.
Above, time in Golden. Below, smiles in Gilmer.
As we left Golden, we braced for hills, hills, and more hills. This next section of the brevet was a little bit like the Tour De France mountain stages. Strong legs - John and Dan - were happy to speed ahead towards Gilmer. I was riding with Jeff and Amy, but at some point, Jeff fell back and I found myself chasing Amy as she powered up the hills. Behind all of us, Gary and Dana fought hard to bring the tandem forward. Alan struggled with the heat and the hills and we lost contact with him for a long time. The good news is that Dan and John arrived to Gilmer and reserved us all a spot at the Tex-Mex restaurant. The food was already being delivered to the table when Amy and I arrived. Chips, salsa, guacamole, and bean dip were on the table. Pitchers of ice and water were also in abundance. Plates of hot enchiladas and tacos were much appreciated. There were even veggie plates for Jeff and Amy. Other riders arrived and all of us were there except for Alan who was still a long way behind.
We all filled our bottles with ice and water. Gary and Dana decided to head out and Amy said she wanted to go early too as long as we rode more slowly to help her knees. I joined thinking the pace would be slow and riders behind would catch us. Of course, the hills were challenging in the other direction, but we were well fed (thanks again to John who snuck in and paid the lunch bill - I said this guy has a big heart, right?). Amy and I chatted and we knocked off hill after hill until we reached the EZ Stop convenience store. Amy rushed in to use the bathroom and as I took off my helmet and gloves to cool down, the rest of the riders (minus Alan) arrived. Amy and I had thought we would be caught before the store, but it was clear they were only 2 to 3 minutes behind us. We refueled at the store and regrouped for the 32 miles to Canton.
We arrived mostly together to Canton. I was in the lead group with John, Dan, Amy, and Jeff. We debated the first store we came to but I pointed out that Gary had said to meet at Dukes which was about 5 miles further along at the interstate intersection. We lined up single file on the busy road and Amy was pushing it to the limit. Jeff and Dan were a bit off my wheel. At some point, John powered forward of us and Amy said she didn't want to chase. I told her there was no need as the control was in sight and we had no need to kill ourselves chasing John.
We had a nice stop in Canton knowing it was the last stop before we reached the hotel and sleep. I ate a hot dog and drank a soda. Everyone had something to eat and drink and we took advantage of the porch seating.
The last miles of day 2 is where I had my doubts. Dan, John, and Jeff pushed ahead. Amy, Charlie and I stayed together and we eventually stopped so I could stretch my shoulder and back. Gary and Dana arrived and we rode together. We saw Jeff's tail light up ahead and our group pushed to catch him. When we reached Jeff, I realized I was not going to carry the same pace. I dropped back and Charlie dropped back with me. I realized Charlie could easily have chosen to stay with the faster riders, so I appreciated his choice to stay with me and chat as we made our way back to the hotel in Greenville. I remembered this night from 2019 on HD 1200 when I was killing it bringing our group in on this stretch. 2021 was not a repeat. I was just glad to make good time and get in about 10 minutes after the lead riders.
All the photos for Day 2 can be found here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/FkHBTGEA89XxbqKY9
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