Note: I started writing this post shortly after completing the Boothby 300K Challenge in 2014, but sadly I never finished it. Maybe I'll get motived to complete it one of these days. -- Keith, 2017/11/20It started innocently enough on January 10, 2014, when Narayan Krishnamoorthy posted the following message to the Seattle Randonneurs (SIR) Google Group:
Hi all,In 2011, Don envisioned riding a 300k every month for 12 straight months to accomplish an R-12!I've been wanting to do this for some time now, just never worked up the courage to actually embark on it. I figured this would be a good way to keep the motivation for the next R-12. This is not RUSA or SIR sanctioned, but it'd be fun to get a bunch of folks who knew Don (or want to know about Don) and who'd want to, to do this with me (or at least meet me at the start line).Hugh Kimball expressed an interest in this, but I was wondering if others may want to join in...One condition: riders must consume at least one donut or slice of pie on the ride! :) I am thinking of starting not this weekend, but the weekend after that. We'd pick a really flat 300!Cheers!
Narayan
The "Don" and "Mimi" mentioned are SIR members Don Boothby (lover of pie, pastries, and long-distance riding), and his lovely and talented wife Mimi Boothby (lover of art, cats, and long-distance riding).PS: Mimi is ok with the idea!
Several thoughts entered my head after reading Narayan's message:
- 300K per month? Is he crazy?
- Ooh, donuts and pie... sounds like my type of ride.
- 300K? Each month? Is he insane?
- I've never completed a "normal" R-12.
- 300K? I've ridden that distance exactly twice in my life.
- This would really build an awesome aerobic base.
- 300K PER MONTH? REALLY?
- Who is this "Don" person, and why would he suggest something so ridiculous?
- Three. Hundred. K. It hurts to even think about it.
