So yesterday I rode in the 64.6 mile ACS Bike-a-thon on my single speed bike. It was a nice cool morning around 6:30 as I rode from my house to the Ben Franklin Bridge. Several thousand bikers all lined up to cross the bridge into New Jersey. In all there was 4500 bikers signed up for the ride.

It was great riding over the bridge on a bike and taking in the views. The usual views from this bridge is from a mass of cars going about 50+ mph. The first rest stop probably was not needed. But I stopped to take a pic and post to Twitter.

The first 26 miles or so was great. I thought I could keep that pace all day long. I was wrong. AT the second rest stop some tiredness set in. Things were rubbing weird, nerves were being pinched and the sun was getting hot. I stayed hydrated and pedaled on.

After the second rest stop, the wind picked up and the roads became more open to the sun. They were also quite long. I preferred the beginning when the course was winding and shaded. The hot sun can zap some energy from even the most in shape people. Good thing I was wearing my 3 liter camel-back. I needed all of it and then some.

The third rest stop was a much needed break. My stomach was growling (maybe I should have eaten a breakfast more substantial than a granola bar?). Lucky for me they had some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and some flavored waters. A couple sandwiches were eaten and some more hydrating was accomplished.

On to the finish. The day was getting really hot. It was almost high noon in the middle of July. Sixty four miles of pedaling drinking water later, I arrived at the finish in Buena Vista Park. It was nice. There was a grandstand and lots of people, some sort of balloon arch finish line and lots of cheering. I quickly found -k and *lily*. I felt bad that they had to wait out in the hot sun, so we got in the car and left. It was a good ride for a good cause.

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