Robert, I raced my first road race at Lime Rock in 1973, the race was for the state championships, about 112 miles or 67.5 laps of the course.. Temps were in the high 90's and everyone but six of us packed it in... I had only raced time trials in the UK, longest one was a 50.
My back was killing me and I had to get off a few times on the back stretch and lay down in the grass to ease my back pain, I refused to quit... I finished 6th, or last. My mom came to watch that race,, it was grueling, she said she would never watch another one!
I do have a photo somewhere, I'm climbing the hill on the backside and a team mate is dousing me with water so I can continue,,, What a great sport,,,,,ah,, I guess. If I can find the photo I'll put it up.
peter weigle
lyme, ct.