The 2018 Reston Metric Century was another well-run event put on by the Reston Bicycle Club. Deborah introduced me to this event two years ago, when we did the half metric route together. Last year my husband and I did the full metric route as part of our training for the Lifeline Century. This year we signed up because we couldn’t resist the $45 entry fee.
2018 Reston Metric Century Recap
Aside from the low entry fee, another draw of the Reston Metric Century is that it is relatively close to home–about a 45 minute drive. It also has a rolling, “show (your wrist band) and go” start, so there was no pressure to get there at a certain time, although we wanted to get an early start to beat as much of the heat as possible.
We used our vehicle with a trailer-hitch bike rack
since we knew we’d be parking in a garage
we won’t make that mistake twice!
I set my alarm for 5:30, but by the time I walked Scooby, ate breakfast, and got my gear together it was about 7:00 before we headed out. Still, we managed to start by 8:00 am.
Miles 1-28: Reston to Leesburg
This was my favorite part of the course, and not just because my legs were still fresh. We were mostly on quiet roads–winding through neighborhoods and cruising on “parkways” that are busy commuter routes but quiet on a Sunday morning.
I knew they modified the course this year, but hadn’t paid attention to the changes to the rest stops. Instead of a rest stop around mile 20, the first rest stop didn’t come until about mile 28, by which time I really needed some fuel! I scarfed down a Nutrigrain bar and a bag of potato chips before making my husband pose for a photo in front of the Velo Love sculpture.
By the time I had refilled my Nathan they had put out PB sandwiches, so I scarfed down 1/2 sandwich before climbing back on my bike.
Miles 28-38: Leesburg to Purceville
This was my second-favorite part of the course, and not just because it was the shortest segment between rest stops. After making our way out of Leesburg we were on two-lane country roads. I was slightly disappointed when we did not take the left turn that led to the one hill I had been worried about (the Double Metric and Fully Century riders got to face that challenge), but I enjoyed the rolling hills of the Metric course.
I got to see my favorite farm from the road instead of the trail.
Coming after only 10 miles, we barely needed the second rest stop (it’s location made sense for the Double Metric and Fully Century riders) but I opted for a few pickle halves because it was getting hot.
Miles 38-50: Purceville to Ashburn
Last year we got on the Washington & Old Dominion trail shortly after leaving the Purceville rest stop, but this year we were on roads all the way back to Ashburn. While most of the roads were quiet, I did experience one scary moment when a car decided it had to pass thisclose to me on a two lane road with no shoulder. If I had dared let go of my handlebar I easily could have touched it.
Drivers, Virginia law requires you to keep a distance of at least three feet when passing a cyclist.
The Ashburn rest stop had my favorite–ice cold watermelon!
Miles 50-65: Ashburn to Reston
This was my least favorite part of the ride, and not just because I was getting tired. The roads (mostly four lane divided parkways) were getting busier, and cars were getting angrier–far exceeding the speed limit as they zoomed by. What really puzzled me was that cars would squeeze next to us in the right lane when there was another lane they could have had to themselves.
Delaware law requires cars to use the left lane to pass when they can do so safely.
The last 5 miles were on the Washington & Old Dominion trail, and while we had to adjust our pace to the trail traffic, we welcomed the break from the cars.
The Finish Line
We finished with 4 hours and 18 minutes of riding time (about 5 hours total) with an average pace of 15 mph.
Does anyone understand the Garmin “training effect” data?
The Reston Century has a great finish line atmosphere, with a buffet picnic set up in the Reston Town Center Pavilion. I filled my plate with salad and vegetarian Asian noodles and sucked down an ice cold can of Coke before getting an ice cream sandwich from the cheerful guy manning the ice cream truck–I think he’s been there for the past three years!
Despite the risks of road rage, I think this is an event we are likely to do again, because it is so close to home, so inexpensive, and I do like most of the route. On the other hand, the very basic rest stop offerings did have me longing for the gourmet fare of the Farm To Fork Fondo events. I can’t do the Berkshires ride September 30th, but I am still holding out hope for the Garden State ride October 14th. If either ride works for you, don’t forget to use COCO2018 to save 10% on your registration fee.
Do you know your state’s laws on passing cyclists in your car?
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I’m so looking forward to the garden state ride. After a long season of triathlon training it will be nice to do a non competitive bike ride.
I hope to see you there!
Sounds like one heck of s race! I wouldn’t like it so much in busy areas either!
I guess I can’t expect it to be close to home and on country roads!
Sounds like a fun ride. I am looking forward to riding bike more with my hubby when he retires at the end of the year, but I am strictly a rail trail rider. Riding on the roads scares me! We visited the area of the Metric Century for the first time this summer when we did the Wine Country Half. Gorgeous place!
We usually ride on the W&OD rail trail – but need a change of scenery once in a while.
We sometimes ride on the York (PA) rail trail, which then connects to a trail in MD that goes down to Cockeysville. I think you could get almost 100 miles round trip if you do both. trails.
This sounds great, road rage aside. Altho that does scare me–we have a lot of that here! Nice job!
I try to set a good example as a driver!
I’m actually very nervous riding on roads were cars are so I would not have fared well there!
We just got a bike rack similar to yours and so far we love it. It is so much better than the one where we had to strap them on the rack.
As short as I am, I could never use a roof rack myself! I usually lay my bike down in the back of my SUV. 😉
No, I will admit that I don’t know our states laws. Then again, many cyclists seem to ignore them — like stopping at stop lights, and riding with traffic. I don’t think I’d ever feel comfortable riding a bike on roads!
Glad you had a good time!
True, cyclists can be very bad about blowing through stop signs — but hopefully not red lights!
Oh yes, we have definitely seen them go through red lights. Then again, we see cars go through red lights too. 🙂
I think it’s road rage in general. I was going 60 in a 55 today and the subaru behind me sped around me crossing a double yellow. What is with people these days? CO law requires 3 feet when passing a cyclist. It’s not always possible with narrow roads, and if I can’t give them 3 feet with oncoming traffic, I do slow down.
Road rage is everywhere, I guess. Cycling is so popular in CO. I would think cars and bikes are used to sharing the road.
They do put on a great event-I was sorry to miss it this year. I did not bike as much as I hoped to the second half of the summer just got crazy busy for me
You had so much going on! Glad you are relaxing now.
EEEKKK! The road rage from the drivers would be a total buzz kill for me. None the less, I am not aware of rides like this in my area (or in the 2-hour vicinity), but this does sound like a fun (and mostly safe) event.
You amaze me with all this cycling. If I weren’t so darn scared of being hit by a car I would totally do it. Trails are more my speed I think!
I feel safer in group rides and on certain roads, but I’m still scared!
That’s what I fear about road cycling – the crazy drivers who don’t know how to share the road! Good to hear it went well for you.
Sounds like you had a fun time. I wouldn’t enjoy the parts in the crowded road either.
Congrats on a safe ride.
On the whole it’s a great event and most drivers are not out to kill us. 😉
Awesome job! I love the idea of the rolling start. I wish running races were like that!
It’s convenient, but only works because they don’t close the roads for us.
Sounds like a great ride, less for the traffic issues! Glad you were able to stay safe. I used to ride some on the roads, but haven’t taken my bike out in awhile. Need to change that soon!
I always keep an eye out for runners and cyclists when I drive, it’s so important!
I don’t think drivers who don’t ride bikes understand how dangerous and scary it is!
Overall it sounds like a great ride! Riding with cars scares me – I’m really glad you had a safe ride!
It’s risky for sure, but we do what we can to be visible, ride safely and be safe!
Sounds great, well done! I love how much cyclists can eat on the go! Sorry about the car, though. Grr.
It is a whole different approach to fueling. I can eat whatever sounds good without my stomach complaining. 😉
Man I miss doing long rides! The longest ride I have done recently was 20 miles!
Love your breakdown and the pics! I hope your new bike enjoyed the ride also!
20 miles is pretty long! My bike did great, and I met my bike twin – a woman on the same bike. 😉
Congratulations on your ride! You make it seem so easy, but I know it’s not!! Being so close to those cars definitely had to be nerve-wracking, I’m glad you stayed safe!
I wish I had the guts to go cycling as you do.
Mm watermelon! 65 miles is impressive. Love the countryside
Thanks for the detailed recap! It sounds like you and your husband were riding strong! I’m hoping to do one of the distances next year with Bill and some of our Cruiser friends.