Found out about RAIN - Ride Across Indiana - several years ago. Sounded intriguing. An organized, supported ride out to a distance I had never attempted in a single day - 160 miles.
The old masters runner treats cycling as a second class citizen. Ultra running is the main event. Cycling supports the run by cross training and providing cardio endurance without the jarring run miles. Plus you get to go farther. An interesting side journey, but I can't devote the time to get good at cycling. So I muddle through spin and outdoor biking, maintaining enough fitness to keep it interesting.
Indiana is another state that grows corn and soybeans, and starts with the letter I. Iowa, Illinois, Indiana. Plop me down in the rural hinterland of either, it will take me some time to figure out where we are.
RAIN is well supported. Sags every 30 or so miles, lunch at 90 miles. Usual granola bars, PB&J sandwiches, bananas. Fillup and go. Recommended. Started in Terre Haute, ends in Richmond, Indiana. Traversing the whole state. Showers at the end. Bus ride back using Mark Robinson's bus services recommended.
Took the luxury motor coach back across the state. Three hours, with crampy legs. Weather was ok, with highs in the low 90's and a slight tailwind. Some folks had to get medical at the end. Have seen enough ultras not to push it on the initial try.
A good event. Will do it again someday. But, for the rest of the this season, run returns to the command chair.
-Larry
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