Big Mack Attack - 2010 edition
I posted this on Facebook but the story really needs to live here.
As most know I like to make up my own fun now since I've retired from Ironman racing. One of my personal goals has always been to see if I can ride to Mackinac Bridge in one day. This is my 3rd attempt. My first try it took my 2 days. Last year there were construction delays with 20 miles of detours so I made it 207 miles before I called it a day.
This year I was going to have no sag at all since Steph wasn't going to come get me until the next day. So I packed a bag with some dry clothes and clean kit assuming I'd be riding the next day.
I clipped in at 6:30am knowing it could be potentially 245 miles if there were construction detours like last year.
The day went perfectly, mechanical and detour free. 226 miles total in 12 hours 28 minutes.
Honestly besides being tired, sunburned and hungry for real food it wasn't that "hard" physically. Granted I didn't push the pace. I took it way too easy at the beginning and when the wind picked up as the day warmed up the headwind for the next 10 hours took a toll on my average pace 
The coolest part is realizing that "far" can be really mental. We've all done 100 milers and when you get close to the end maybe 75-80 you think "oof" i'm tired. On this ride I knew I had 200+ so the 100 mile mark rolled passed with little fanfare within my head. Now the 200 mile mark was legit hard.
It was awesome to of made it.
The next day Steph had a 4 hour drive to get me so instead of waiting for her I started riding back home. I got in another 55 miles when she found me on the road. I happily got in the car 
I'm now working on my next adventure. I'll probably stay away from another 200+ day. But with a little bigger pack I could ride 100-150 a day for a week or so - who know maybe ride across the country.
Comments
Sweet, I love hearing about these adventures. I got my 150 miler in less than 3 weeks but I was hoping to go further near the end of the year.
Nice, Dan!
You could do a Tour de EN. There have to be enough EN couches and guest rooms to get you across quite a bit of the country!
The map and your face at the end tell it all. Geeeeeze that was a freakin far way to go in one day on a bike!
PS- If you ever want to ride your bike to the beach, you are welcome to stay with us in North Carolina! I'll even offer to take you to the airport and you can use my bike box to ship the bike so you don't have to ride all the way back home :-)
That's one impressive ride, Dan! Looks like you had great weather too. So what was your IF and TSS for this ride? I'm curious about pacing these epic efforts...
I love hearing about these adventures too. You are the poster boy for having fun with your fitness! Congratulations on making it all the way to the bridge!
That's a legit ride; congrats on the effort and accomplishment.
How about joining me in the rando world? You've clearly got the fitness and right attitude.
@bill I'm really into making my own fun. What interests me the most now are mountain bike stage races. Like BC bike race or http://www.breckepic.com/
@greg The camera was from a Canon Powershot. Does a fine job.
@Kitima no clue about TSS but probably a lot
@nemo a ride to NC is tempting.
You made it to the bridge! Wasn't it bad ice last year? Super awesome, amazing definition of fun. Love it!
That last pic says it all.
We just need a Spicoli voice over, "Dude, I'm so wasted!'.
Nice, work Dan. Not only are you the arbiter of all things Pro, you are the Inventor of low cost cool things to do with your fitness.
Now, how come you couldn't get any Leadout boys to join you?
Dave
Thanks. Nope not ice just another bridge was out and had a 20 mile detour.
Nicely done, Sir.
If you ever ride to Va, it's all downhill from the West Va border. Well, trending downhill.
VERY VERY NICE. If you need some crazy fool to join you next time, give me a call.