Maryville 100

We didn't know when we would do it, but we pretty much figured we couldn't ride across the country without fitting a century in there somewhere. For those who don't know a century in the context of biking refers to a 100 miler, a long ride for most anyone even without bags, and hills, and traffic, and wind. Needless to say we battled all four, but to tell ya the truth it was a pretty terrific day. We awoke to a stiff wind helping to dry our tents from last night's rain. Reports warned of morning showers developing into thunderstorms by afternoon, and we didn't have high hopes for getting too many miles in (before finding the nearest cheap motel). But we pedaled on, into a gusty wind, around some minor cities, and down busy shoulderless road. When we stopped for lunch neither of us were even sure how far we'd gone. But after doing the math, we were 35 miles in and it was only 1 o'clock. We studied the map and found the town of Maryville way up the road near Knoxville. "How far is it?," Joe asked. "Mmm, 60ish miles" I answered. "Man, if we can even get within spitting distance of Maryville tonight, we can probably make Hot Springs tomorrow." I let Joe's suggestion simmer a bit. Hot Springs is 75 miles from Maryville, totally doable, as it were. And man it would be nice to buy a day just in case we wanna spend it down the road. "Well," I said finally, "if we get to Maryville that's about 90ish miles. There's no way I'm quitting at 90 if we get there, so..maybe today we do our century?" We thought a bit. Then, without saying anything out loud, we quickly wolfed the last bite, slurped the last sip, and threw on our gear. We weren't sure if we'd make it all the way, but we were gonna give ourselves every chance we could. And as I lay to sleep on the carpeted basement floor of a kind family's home tonight, I wonder if my belt will be tighter tomorrow, now that I've got one more accomplishment under it. ; )Hot Springs, NC here we come.
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