Bluebonnet Metric Century

3/23/03

 

The Bluebonnet Metric Century is put on every year by Northwest Cycling Club and it's a great ride at a great time of the year.  This year I ended up riding by myself as my partner was sick but I had a good time anyways.  I did the 65 mile ride (it was supposed to be only 62 miles - 100 Kilometers) and averaged 17.5 MPH.  Considering I wasn't drafting anyone (most of the way) that's not too bad.   

  It was extremely crowded as well.  I heard someone mention that there were over 2,500 people!  The traffic getting in was a nightmare.  I arrived at the "traffic jam" (about 1/2 mile from the 1488 exit off 290) at around 7 A.M.  I didn't start riding until after 8:30!

 

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It was very foggy in the morning.  I took these shots out my car window while I was waiting in traffic.

 

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You can see the line of traffic on 1488 as we make our way through the fog towards parking.  If you look at the picture on the right, you can see a bunch of bird nests made of mud under the eve of the bridge.

 

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You can see how foggy the start was.  Kind of eerie...

 

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Finally the sun comes out!  It was a beautiful day (except for the wind!)

 

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This is why it's called the Bluebonnet Metric Century.  Actually I think last year was better for Bluebonnets than this year.  The last picture has Indian Paintbrushes in it.

 

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Some people at a rest stop.

 

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All pictures Copywrite 2003 by Charles Chow