Hopkins 4K for Cancer

June 27, 2005

Benkelman, NE
Today we departed from Arapahoe and departed for Benkelman, Nebraska. Today’s ride is estimated to be about 92 miles long. As some of you know, earlier in the trip, Travis and I attempted a 6-hour century. That day we were unable to complete it due to road conditions (too windy!) But today we decided to try again.

Travis, Jenn and I left ahead of the other groups and started our watches. In order to complete a century in under 6 hours, we had to average about 17 mph and take very short breaks. We began at a steady 18-20 mph pace and held it consistently through the first water break. When we reached lunch we had about 10 minutes to spare, so we wolfed down our meals and took off.

After the final water break (60 miles into the ride) we were right on time, but we thought “Better safe than sorry”. Starting at about mile 75, we began to pick up the pace. We averaged 25 mph for the last 25 miles, and finished the ride (and an additional 8 miles to hit 100) in a time of 5 hours and 33 minutes. When we arrived at Striker’s in Benkelman, we were tired and hungry. Luckily Chris and Carolyn Crossen arrived shortly after to let us in and we accepted their generous offer of sandwiches and cold drinks.

The Crossen’s informed us that rather than staying at Striker’s (as past 4k’s had done) we were going to stay at their second home. The home was beautiful and more than enough room for all of us to fit comfortably. After the other riders filtered in, we showered at the house and returned to Striker’s for homemade pizza. Their generosity showed no bounds as they brought out pie after pie. By the end of the meal we were all tired and ready for bed. We turned in soon after, and rested up for tomorrow’s service project at an old folk’s home.

Justin DeAngelis