I was prepared for all of the above with arm and leg warmers and a waterproof shell top. I was tempted to bypass the lunch stop at a school because I was warm and in a zone, but the food had always been good.

The problem was that there was a line about 100 people deep stretched out the door. We were all standing in a cold wind for about 20 minutes until some organizer got the bright idea of having us all come inside and snake around the corridors where it was warm and dry.

Unfortunately, by that time the damage was done. I saw one woman rider curled up in a fetal position on the floor trying to get warm. I was starting to shiver uncontrollably myself. one of the early signs of hypothermia.

A good, warm lunch helped, but as soon as I stepped back out in the wind, my shivering started again. There was a good 30 or 40 more miles to ride and I didn’t know if the weather was going to get better or worse, so I bailed.

I gave my extra clothing to my brother and his friend and told them to ride to the end and come back for me. I don’t mind bad weather, but there comes a time when you have to make a decision while you still have all your faculties. (Hypothermia can cause confusion and disorientation.)

Glad to hear you were able to soldier on.