Yeah, it’s a bit of an inside joke.
Last year sometime, Joon and I did a ride that took us past Everland. We made a stop at the restroom near the entrance, and Joon was especially impressed. Henceforth, every restroom we use on our rides gets judged on a scale of “filthy pit” to “Everland, the Gold Standard.”
Because both Joon and I were attending weddings this weekend, we didn’t get the typical Saturday 70 in, so I resolved to do something today (Sunday). I had to be at church at 10, so anything I did would have to finish up by 9 or so. As usual, I didn’t set my alarm. If I got up in time to leave by 4, I’d do 100k. Any later and I’d limit it to 50 miles (80k). As it turns out, I left at 4:32 and got the 50 in by 8:30 easy. If I’d gotten out any earlier, I probably could’ve squeezed in the fondo. The distance ended up being pretty much perfect, though. The weather was excellent — I did the whole ride in short-sleeves with no jacket or arm covering, and knowing I’d be home early, I didn’t even take sunglasses, but rather, went with the clear lenses the whole ride.
It was a great ride, all-around.
I have seen some gas station restrooms I feared more than any filthy pit. From now on I will seek the Everland Gold Standard equivalent in the US.
I have an interesting story about a restroom I had to use 40 miles into a long and hot ride. It was what we call a “bombsight,” basically a hole in the floor kind of thing. There was a lot more to it, but just the very project of having to squat in a rustic room barely big enough (having to do the majority of my preparations outside) having already biked 40 miles, hoping the blood doesn’t run from your head to your extremely taxed leg muscles, causing you to pass out, was quite the adventure. I’ll tell you the full story in a couple of weeks…