I saw this photo of Weston McWhorter’s in January and knew I was missing out on something special. So when Townsend Myers invited the Semi-Tough Cycling Club to Tour De Lac part Deux, I knew I had to be there. While the ride around Lake Pontchartain doesn’t offer much in elevation change, the approximately 160 miles through the steamy lowlands of southern Louisiana seemed like quite a challenge. Plus it was 60 miles further than my previous longest ride. Partly because of the pot of coffee I drank that day at work and partly child-ish “Christmas-Eve” excitement, I didn’t get one wink of sleep the night before and worried if I’d crack some 40 miles in. Luckily, Wes, who unfortunately couldn’t ride, followed as support in the Rouler car. Water, Gatorade, bananas and amazing fruit and rice cakes (plus Instagrams) made the world of difference. I’m ready to do it again.

Enjoy my gallery after the jump and check out some great Instagrams from @Roulernola as well.

Yeah You Ride

-Boedi

Already out the door, I had forgot something important.

Less than a mile from my home, I was delayed already.

Robinson, fresh from 1000 miles in a car.

Our fearless leader, Townsend.

Eleven of us at Audubon Park for the start: Bryan, Mike, Robinson, me, Townsend, Nate, George, Rusty, Brian, Jim and Stu. Good crew.

Moonrise over the Mississippi.

Flat number one for Nate “Three Flats” Batts.

Real food is real good.

Much thanks to Wes and his support.

Manchac Pass.

Little life-savers.

Interesting wildlife tracks in Ponchatoula.

Hey cool kids!

Scary to see Brian go down. A rogue road reflector took him out.

Besides his bars, he seemed to be OK. Some scrapes and bruises, we dropped him off in Mandeville.

Stu Babin pulled the pack half-way around the lake.

Tammany Trace.

You hear “Flat!” and don’t even have to turn around to know who it’ll be.

Yes, this was his third flat. He was lucky I somehow missed the second.

Just a bit windy.

At this point, this horse smelled the barn. Seeing the Fort Pike bridge felt like being back on home turf. Only 38 more miles to go.

But you gotta stop at the Yellow Store.

The green and moca of Semi-Tough.

A couple of #localhardmen

Quick stop to let the dogs pee.

Tru Burger for victory meal.