Miracle Hill training ride

Miracle Hill training ride May 24, 2014 Went to bed at 2:30 am after working on my vehicles all day. Also having ridden Assault on Mt. Mitchell on Monday I was not in the best of conditions.  Were to meet near Pumpkintown at the Miracle Hill childrens home chapel, about 18 miles from home, at 8 am.  Left 6:46 am so I was late leaving. Then I felt weak going up a hill on state park road. Very very nearly turned around and drove to the start. I argued with myself. I lost. Keep pedaling and got to US 25 in 29 minutes. Marietta in another 20 minutes. I might make it. Turn onto SC288 and head west.  Got to the starting point at 8:02 am. There were about 30 riders at the start.  Up toward ceasars head we went.  Took me about 50 minutes to do the 6.5 mile climb at 146 ave heart rate.   A 5-10 minute reststop to fuel up  I had not eaten breakfast so I had to catch up on calories. Left alone, but was soon caught by a group led by Jerry Nagelkirk. Hooked onto that train and we flew toward Brevard, NC. There were 10 of us. Doug Guth was way up ahead so we were chasing him down (in my mind). I pulled for about 3-4 minutes sending my heart into the red zone. Pride made me do it even though it was a risk of overdoing it. So onward we went to Walnut Hollow, a wicked 5-10 minute climb. Heart rate into the low 160's.  Onward to US 178 and back toward SC with lots of climbing. The group stopped at a church for water. Again I left first without them. Soon Doug (he was stopped at the church) passed me. Then eventually more riders passed me.  Group was stopped at SC 11. I kept going. I was not in a race but I was now in the lead. Doug soon caught up to me. Doug pulled me the last 3 or so miles to the chapel and we were the first ones there.  Got to the chapel at about 12:15 pm. With the stops of about 15 to 20 minutes total, I averaged 15 mph in very hilly terrain. So pretty good considering lots of uphill and my condition.  I planned on a long break at the chapel. My muscles were on the verge of cramping. I was tired.  Guy (Mike) crashed on a curve and Ally had brought him back to the chapel. Doug offered to drive him to the hospital (in Mikes new BMW).  Ate two sandwiches, chips, drank a coke. Put on more sunscreen. Big bathroom visit. Had a swarm of ants all over my bike i had to remove.  leaned it against a tree.   Talked to Ally as she waited for the final 4 riders to come in.  I didn't leave there til probably 1:30 pm. Had wind at my back. Got to Marrieta, then Travelers Rest (TR). I stopped in the shade of a tree for a long while in TR next to Sunrift and watched all the activity. Lots of riders on the SRT. It was hard to get motivated and keep going. Got home at 3:15 pm. Tired as heck. About 95 miles and 7,000 or more feet of climbing. No bike computer was used.