Tributes and Gratitude - Another one in the books...

 

The usual next day stop in Beautiful Randolph, Utah.

Another participation medal

Not to go into the details yet, but I did finish - again. If last year wasn't pretty, than this year was down right ugly. For the most part, it was almost exactly as expected. Perhaps I should improve my expectations?

More later this week.

The Legend.....

A donation came in Friday afternoon, from an old friend and dang good guy. He has supported the Porpoise in the past and is certainly a welcomed addition to the team this year. I'm pretty sure he is older than I, but looks like 20 years younger. I mean...he's like Dick Clark - ageless, but approximately 136 times cooler. Always the steady ship in the roughest of waters, he is truly an inspiration. I have been blessed to have his positive influence in my family for the past several years. Thanks Dano! You are truly a legend.

Gratitude

There are many to thank this year, but none more than my support crew and chief. This ride/race doesn't happen by ones-self, it take a team - a crew if you will. And driving that crew is always the crew-chief. From getting ready the week before, through dropping me off at the starting line, through the supported feed zones and finally to the finish - that doesn't begin to cover it all.

Race Crew

This would be the yea-whose again. My first LOTOJA was shortly after my daughters first birthday. She has been to every one of these things along the way. Sure... a bit of a turd at times, but still my favorite turd nonetheless. Of course the brothers that keep her in check make for an eventful activity - regardless of what that might be. Again this year, they were all wearing custom "Porpoise Athletics" shirts. Pretty sweet if you ask me. I'm sure they think it is a spectacle, watching the "old-man" (emphasis on OLD), grind my guts out year after year. They are there; from the 04:00 wake-up, to the finish line, wondering if this is the year I can't get in on time. No question - we are a LOTOJA family.

The Chief

Of course every crew must have it's crew-chief. Again this year, that was my better half. If you only knew the sacrifices she makes to tolerate my bad behavior. It seems about every six, or seven years, the race falls on our wedding anniversary.  As matter of fact, it is 37 years today. Hmmmm.... If there ever was a model of inspiration, it is certainly her. It is no exaggeration that I often consider what I think to be pain, against what she has endured with having 10 (yep, that's right) kids - naturally. That's when I realize the difference between pain and simple discomfort. She keeps things in order and has the kit-bags ready at the feed zones. At a fighting weight of barely 105 pounds soaking wet, she is formidable. She also makes all the arrangements, orders the Porpoise swag and keeps me generally in line. I typically don't like this to get too personal, so I'll leave it with the link below.

This is arguably the most beautiful Beatles song of ALL time. The live tribute to George, by Paul, Eric, Ringo, Albert, Billy, Jeff and a bunch of others - it is the closest thing to appropriate here.

Click Here for "Something" Concert for George

Better lucky than good............

A gift for everyone - Please pass this along

Please share the link with everyone  - Mr. Blue Sky!

 

Click Here! "Mr. Blue Sky"

"Please Turn Me Over"

This is IT BABY!

Feeling woefully inadequate for the task

The Jerseys and how it all started

It would have been like my 6th year riding LOTOJA that I decided I needed a purpose to continue doing this whole bike riding thing. At the time my then employer, was essentially underwriting the entire entry fee portion for all the Huntsman riders (Then called Huntsman Hometown Heroes). Having been asked to represent the company at the check ceremony the morning after in the previous year, I thought it seemed like a good idea. What I didn't know would certainly hurt later. I believe it was the previous year one of my older cousins had been diagnosed with a type of brain cancer. I mean, I hadn't seen her in more than 30 years, but it still caught my attention. So.....the evening before the race, my first year riding for Huntsman, I literally at the last minute, wrote her name on my jersey sleeve. The next morning as I was getting ready to roll into the starting corral, I asked my daughter to take a picture of my sleeve and send it to all my sisters. She also took the same picture just after the finish line.  I distinctly remember over the course of that day just being hammered, but thinking of that name on my sleeve - fighting the battle of her life. It kept me going - as cheesy at it may otherwise sound. We packed our stuff and made it a weekend, heading for home that next morning. The following day (Monday), I received word that my cousin had lost the war - succumbing to this shitty disease.  Talk about a board across the back of the legs. "Stunned" doesn't begin to describe that emotion. Regardless, it was at the point I committed to dong this until...until I don't know when. Since then I have written far too many names and tributes on all my jerseys  - except for the jersey shown here. I believe this one arrived following the race that particular year, perhaps five years ago. I forgot I even had this thing, but noticed it hanging with a bunch of other jerseys and kits, only a few weeks ago. You will notice it says "10 Years Riding for HOPE", as this was the 10th year for the HHH program at LOTOJA. Well....this marks my 10th year riding Huntsman. As such, I've shelved this years kit for the throwback (and NO, Autoliv no longer supports this cause and hasn't since 2018). This is a continuation of what WE started ten years ago.

"Sugar Britches"

This year I am privileged to have the kit  properly prepped for flight by the many that knew this sweet individual. You may notice in the image, the white area adorned with messages and names that have been so kind as to write their remembrance on the kit. Along with this came a donation to Huntsman from the man left in that shadow of the emptiness. A brother I didn't know I had - but a true kindred being, as it were; Thanks for being a stud Peter (and gang of studs)! I am humbled and will leave it at that.

On the collar

As I have also done regularly, I have also included names of a classmate and my wife's cousin. You now why.....Those are Charlene Brown ('81) and Steven P.

A few more in for the swim

Ahhhh, Frido the Bandito; a darn good kid and always wanting to do the right thing. Eventually that thing will grow in. Until then, be patient and keep plowing forward. Turd, Jose and Fred......the reason I choose to live and push forward - yep, they are also a great support group. And of course, B. Cheddar. This goes back to an off-hand remark "...but cheddar works well with almost everything". Use your imagination as to the the 13 year old me heard that phrase. These are the rest of the crew that makes it happen every year. I am nothing without them, in any capacity. Now go and clean you rooms!

Thanks to you all!

I have tried to cover all of the supporters this year, but am afraid my writing abilities are not capable of expressing my gratitude and humility. Nancy, Kristin, Steve, Beck, Debbie, Gentlemen Jim, Tim, Todd, William, Peter and of course the herd that is my fam. You are making a difference and the world a better place at the same time.

Race day and the follow-ups

I'll be out the door early tomorrow, but I will leave a special post for all of you to pass along. A summary will also follow within the next few days after the race. The Porpoise will also continue to ride until it snows, while posting until the end of the year. Meanwhile, if you really want to known the soul of the Porpoise, go back to 2017 and read about Jill (August 17th) and Hadley My Hero, year end post 2017. You will hurt - beware. As for tomorrow, I have my work cut out for me. Ugh....

My buddies bike at Ant Flat Road in June - Seems like a lifetime ago....

Headphones are recommended here

A very young Derek and an old Greg - The Alman Brothers!

Click here for "Instrumental Illness" Hang on! It's gonna get fast.....

Ride HARD!

A couple more donations and the home stretch

 More support & doners

The last look at Monte Cristo Camp Ground and Guard Station for the season.

Two more from the yea-whos

Former Support crew returns

Yep, the little doo-dah heads, Dorothy, "G." and the Dino (and of course their parents) piled in for another year with the Porpoise. This cadre of knuckle-heads has headed-up support for many a LOTOJA experience - going back a long time. Three years ago, they ponied-up to support my buddy in time of need. And support they did. They helped him on to the podium that year. They know the drill as well as anyone and are a tremendous support - all the way around! They also know too well about the Big-C and all that garbage. It's good to know they are still involved - but then again, why wouldn't they be?  Thanks you guys!

New, but also old

The others that jumped in are the smaller, but every bit as loyal bunch from the south side of town. Never one to say a lot, action is always his motive. The littlest one of that pack is quite the inquisitive little guy. I can see him being a future rider - someday. Although not an interest as far as riding, the "old man" knows a thing or two about endurance and training. His better half, well she is making a career of the subject. Maybe between the two of them they can figure out how to help me get across the line a little faster one of these years. I've certainly tried a lot of variations. Until then, it is a pleasant surprise to see them pile in with the Porpoise. Believe me when I say, they gave when it kind of hurt. And for that, I think I can try a little harder Saturday when I think it hurts.  You guys are great! Thanks!

Final Details

Packet pickup is tomorrow. This is the part where the butterflies creep in. It gets very real, as you see the other racers and event staff. They are all a bunch of great people, but you get the sense of the inevitable. Work schedules this week are making it hard to ride much, if at all.  Waiting for some new shifting cables, R&R Gold chain-lude and still need to buy a new chain (maybe a new R3 or two).  I need about four hours to dial the bike in and then need a solid 34 mile tempo ride to check it out. Thus far, weather conditions look pretty good, but that can also change by race day. I do think things will somehow come together, but I need the customary mountain bike ride one evening to put my mind at ease. All together, it's just a matter of going through the motions at this point. Everything will fall into place - eventually.

Ode to MP 44

SR39, MP 44 In-Bound - heading for home!

The Bitter and the Sweet

I love riding Monte. You can go back and read posts from years gone by and see the same thing over and over. I often refer to Monte as an old friend. Brutally honest and always there waiting. The climb out of Huntsville is burned into my memory; Turn up at MP19, lose cell service at about MP25, a steep stretch in the big ring just before the "blue roof", a quick banana on that little level area, maybe a gu between the Slate Spring and Ant Flat Road, drop into the small ring at about MP 36, grind up through MP37 at the gate, past Big Horn, around the bend to Marriotts and MP 40, Dry-Bread  at MP 42, Little Monte at MP 43 and finally on to the shoulders at MP 44 - out bound. The camp ground sits closer to MP 48 than 47, but is not quite the highest point. You cross three county lines in the process. Heading toward Woodruff, MP49 at Curtis Creek Road is pretty much the point of now return. In a matter of about twelve minutes, you have bunny-hoped the first cattle-gate at about 44 MPH and managed to pass the lower snow gate between MP 55 & 56. MP 60 is the next cattle gate at Burch Creek and then it is a mild push into town. The stop at the store is always pleasant, as these people are simply the nicest folks you can imagine. The ride back to the top starts fairly easy, usually not too bad before the snow gate. Always a head wind, it's only a matter of how hot it may get. In the canyon mid-day, there is no relief from the sun. At MP 53, you are now coming onto the dugway. Past MP 52 just before the dog-leg, MP 51 at the guardrail curve and finally on to MP 50 for a climb that just doesn't give a crap about your sore legs. At MP 49, Curtis Creek Road appears to be a friendly site, but it is still a mile before the climbing is mostly over. At MP 48 inbound, you quickly see the camp ground and the haven that is an oasis. A quick water pickup on at the camp ground, its now over the rolling shoulders, knowing that there is an hour long down hill ahead - but it just seems a little further yet. Finally, just past the last county line, you see it; the beginning of what will be the down hill stretch to home. Off to the left hand side is MP 44 inbound, the flag that tells you that you have earned it once again. As you fly past the last sentinel, the jersey zipper is fully up, sliding into the drop-bars and shifting into the fasted gear you can find - its time to bring it on home. That last descent of the year is always hard to put into the books. You are glad its behind you, but you can't let go. It is the curse and the blessing of what is Monte Cristo. Perhaps not as much of a secret as it used to be, but still an loyal and brutally honest friend - that I will long for during the coldest winter months to come.

A couple more days and posts - then we'll have this one in the books.......

Bring it on home

I owe this one to myself. Headphones on - and play it loud!

Click here for Live "Bring it on home" 1970 - Dig the Floyd Rose trem on the LP Custom

Ride HARD!

A week to go - Big Support!

 Looking Up - Doner Updates

Beautiful Woodruff, Utah - "Coldest Temps - Warmest Hearts"

Sisters - The Greatest!

As mentioned in a recent post, several of my sisters regularly support the Porpoise. Of course there was the donation a week ago, already covered, and now two others showed up this past week. These guys are great! Always on the leading edge of "cool", my sisters are legends. This year is certainly no exception as they have come through yet again - and in a big way. I believe they have been involved most every year since we started this little effort. As I had mentioned about the previous donation, my sisters have good taste when it comes to the classics. By this I mean - music. Several years ago I wrote of yet another Christmas gift from one of these two sisters - 1978 to be exact. An album I still love to this day - 52nd Street. The other of these two sisters introduced me to Sgt. Peppers - the album that really set me on my way. I would have been like ten years old, but I knew every track on that old vinyl by heart. And now look at me........ Where would I be with out my awesome sisters? Thanks you guys..........

Gentleman Jim and his cooler than cool car....

A long time friend to one of the above mentioned sisters, is this fellow that had perhaps one of the coolest cars in it's time - if not all time. If I remember correctly, this thing was a '67 Impala (I think), with a screaming 427 Cu-In big-block. I got to ride in it a couple times - which was like a trip without compare. That would have been the summer between 6th and 7th grades. Oh yes - and "Grand Funk Railroad, Caught in the Act - Live". Having been exposed to the Chevelle world, I had a basic understanding and maybe an appreciation of what a fantastic automobile this particular machine truly was. And here we are something like 48 years later and the man has jumped in with the Porpoise. I've not seen him in probably close to that many years, but I do remember him as being called "Gentleman Jim". Well, I suppose somethings just stick and I truly appreciate that he has chose to help those who are truly and otherwise in need. Thanks for those rides.........

A darn nice plumber and all around good guy

A man with perhaps more patience than most anyone I have had the pleasure to have worked with over the years. We shared in many a tribulation of the professional world. The term "calm waters run deep" definitely apply here. An all around good "egg" and solid example - this is a guy you want as a friend. I think in the past I had referred to him a a "Bobcat" as he is an old Skyview alum - he is truly the heart, soul and salt of what makes that valley what we "old timers" remember. Loyal to nearly a fault, true to his beliefs and an example of what we all should strive to be in our own lives. He has supported the effort in the past, as he knows all too well the effects of the "Big-C". Thanks Tim! You are still pretty awesome for an old Bob-kitty and devoted Aggie -fan.

A Sparky with flare (and a shine)

It's funny how in the course of our days we run across those people that just seem to always make a difference - in literally everything. WJD is just that guy. A very competent electrician and excellent tradesman, I have learned a lot from him over the past 16 plus years. Again, a regular supporter of the Porpoise and Huntsman, he came through big this year - as that is what he does. Long days go by very quickly when we team up, but we have developed a solid team and operation. Most days we don't have to say what we are thinking, it just happens - as we generally think very much a like. He is also a tremendous endurance athlete in his own right - grinding out some pretty intense events. We share a lot of ideas and bounce questions back and forth, as we both seem to be pointed at the same end goal. I just can't wait to find out what that actually might be. On the other hand..... It is always a good day when I get to work with this guy and owe him a lot. Thanks William! - your secrets are safe with me.

The one that started me into this whole thing

Way back in the the olden days, I teamed up with a structural engineer, working on projects literally all over the world. Occasionally we would travel together, which is a whole series of stories by themselves. Nearly 20 years ago I was in the middle of building a house while working with him on some projects. At that time he was very much into the road-bike thing having successfully conquered "SNOW-TOJA". That was 2005 when a snowstorm blew in, on top of LOTOJA, thinning out nearly 75% of race participants prior to Montpellier. Besides being one of the best engineers I've ever worked with, he is also the smartest bike rider I know. He knows how to read a situation and wait for the best opportunities. He hasn't ridden for several years, but could still drop me on any climb. My first LOTOJA was a success almost exclusively due to his coaching and direction. I had no idea what I was getting into and even thought I was in over my head going into it. He talked me through it and gave me the confidence I needed to get to the end. Over the years we have seen a lot together, with myself as being the beneficiary of many a learning experience. I owe a great deal to TCD and can't thank him enough for all I have been able to accomplish as a result of his direction. You could call him a "boy scout leader", but then again - that might be a little weird. Thanks for showing up again. I'd love to see you out on the road again some day.

One of the gang

Finally, this past week, one of my kids jumped in as well. I know he hasn't a lot to spare, but give he did. He has experienced supporting me as a rider from nearly the beginning. He knows the chaos that this event brings into our home every year as a result. The event is and has always been a family ordeal, but it's not all fun and games. As a family, it is an event, but really not a vacation. He knows what sacrifice and hardship are all about. Incredibly smart, this is a kid with more potential than I could have ever imagined in my life time. Generous beyond explanation, he is a leader of men in the making. It has been a blessing in my life to watch him develop and find his course. How could I be so lucky...... Thanks Mac!

Looking up toward the road home - leaving Woodruff.

Race Week

With only this upcoming week to go, there is a ton to do. The bike needs work, whilst I still need to get some riding in. Packet pickup is Wednesday. The starting groups and frame/bib numbers have been assigned. Our start time is 06:34, with 72 racers in the slot together. There are three different groups starting in this pack, with a ton of experience. There are probably no fewer than 12 of these guys that will be pushing the 10 hour mark - legitimately. There is a chance for a breakaway early - not that it will effect me. For me there is a fine line between hanging on and blowing up. I know where I need to hang on to the main group as long as possible. I just hope I have what it takes to do it. Meanwhile, staying healthy is important. It is too close to risk getting beat-up, or sick from "over cooking". Weather will play a part in final rides and polishing. I've done this enough to know to be careful, but persistent.

Last Ride over the Top - Woodruff

This past week was not as intense as the previous week. Coming off a 300+ mile week, including one trip to Woodruff and the Cache Valley Century, my legs were a little timid Monday morning. Add to that the road construction - and lets just say my confidence was a little shaky. This past Wednesday was the final push over the top, back to Woodruff for a last look at the hard side, before the race. The headwind coming back was a little worse than normal, but it was cool. I had again mixed tires, swapping out the rear Race-Lite from the previous week to a 700-25 "Gator-Skin", I also chose to drop tire pressure a tad bit. The result was much better than Monday, with descent speeds exceeding 45 MPH in several places. Climbing times weren't too bad, just not exceptional either. I stretched the entire day in to an eight-hour ride at rate. By far the longest time in the saddle all season. In the end, it was the right ride for the right day - again. Friday night I hadn't only time for hill intervals. Amazingly, these felt great. Still, only getting my heart rate up 154 in the intervals, with 160 Monday trying to beat the pilot truck through construction. The need to maintain intensity is essential. With a busy work schedule this week, I'm not sure how I'll pull it off - but I will.

SR39, MP 44 outbound - Over the shoulders and across the top.

What's coming next week..........

A couple more posts before race day. There will also be the traditional race morning post. Of course there will also be the "Ode to MP44" - the one thing I look forward to. I have also ran across a HOPE jersey from a few years ago that will be the kit for this year. Expect to see that by weeks end, as it is currently being "adjusted" for flight. A few more things to push through, but we are almost there. I just hope I'm ready - 'cause I have a lot to carry this year.

Did somebody say "Caught in the ACT - LIVE!"?

Click here for "Foot Stompin' Music" Live at Shay Stadium

Ride HARD!

Compromise ride and more supporter kudos!

 SR39 MP 40 - out-bound, looking back at the Mt. Ogden range in the center, Weber Canyon at its left and Ogden Canyon at it right.

Took a Beating Today....

A later than usual start had me going up SR39 with it already getting warm. What a contrast from last Wednesday. Of course, more construction made things less than ideal. Somewhere around MP 30, I encountered a single-lane condition, flagger and pilot truck. Both lanes had recently been chip-sealed, making for a lot of rolling resistance. With only dump truck traffic, the pilot truck sent me on my own, telling me to stay far left and watch for heavy equipment. I had no idea how far up the road I needed to go before finding the other flagger, so I bolted on a 5% grade, rough road and no idea how long this effort would last. I'm guessing it was close to two miles to the other flagger - all the while dogging trucks and equipment. The pilot truck caught me just before I got to the other flagger. Man, was I cooked! Still on rough roads, I stayed in the big-ring (mashing pedals), as far as I could - which was a mistake. I'm too hard-headed and should have dropped into a the smaller ring to spin much earlier. Instead, at MP 36, I was suffering - without any good reason. By MP 37, I knew there wasn't enough in the tank to go over the top. At MP 40 (just past Marriott's) I decided to make it a picture day - and a gorgeous day for pictures it was. This gave me an excuse to stop - a lot. Up on top, I had stopped to get a picture of the Mt McKinnon turn-off and caught a badger trying to sneak across the road. I moved up closer to get a picture, but he was too wily and ducked back into the grass before I could get the image. My past experience with seeing badgers has always been good luck when it comes to riding. Lets hope this one pans-out, as I'll take all the luck I can get  - after today.

The Mullet Set-Up

After burning up a perfectly good Bontragger R3 (tire) last week, I switched to my DT Swiss wheelset with a newer set of R3s for the Cache Valley Ride this past Saturday. I generally don't do training rides with this wheelset, unless it is something I need a good benchmark from. So.....last night I sorted through my tires (and there are a lot of them) and ran across an older, but really good Bontragger Race-Lite hardcase 700-23. I used to ride the guts out of those things - they are nearly bullet proof. Knowing the conditions on SR39, it seemed like a good choice. The size is a little different than the front tire. Like 700-25 on front to 700-23 on back. I've heard of guys dong this -especially on mountain bikes. On a larger scale, some guys do it with a 29er upfront and either a 27.5, or 750b (the same thing) on back. Thus, big wheel on front, little wheel on back. That was the difference of loosing perhaps 1/2 tooth gear equivalent, which should have kept me in my big ring longer (wrong!). I can say the descent was much smoother. Cornering at 44 MPH was very easy - enough that I may try it again later this week. We'll have to see what conditions look like Wednesday and/or Thursday.

Mt McKinnon turn-off. Standing at 9,036 foot elevation - according to the Garmin.

The Tale of Two Supporters

The "Fixie"

One of the supporters sent me a message, telling me of his personal (and I mean very personal) experience with the Big-C. A success story to warm the heart - he truly helped make a difference. This guy is a STUD, as in the real deal. He rides a bike called a "fixie", as not does it have only one gear, it also does not freewheel. As such, the crank-arms move at the same relative speed as the the rear-wheel. And for brakes - you use your legs to hold the pedals back. This is no small feat and takes remarkable strength and skill. Anyone that rides a fixie is in a league completely of a unique breed. And a great person is he. Thanks for jumping in and "swimming with the Porpoise". I am honored to have made your association and earned your friendship.

Early morning at Pine View - looking back toward the Hinkley Ranch.

The Early Moring Beam-of-Sun

Not many years ago, I used to make occasional early rides to Snow Basin, before having to go "crush rocks" at the old day-job. On several of the those in-bound returns, I would run across a former fellow workmate and his awesome wife - while walking their little dog. Generally it would be around the same stretch of the paved path, northside of the lake, or just east of Gertson Bay. It was always a pleasant stop - taking time to catch up on a few stories. A few years back, my friend was blind-sided by the Big-C. I wrote about it somewhere back then, but I'd have to go looking. One of the last times I was blessed to speak with him, I caught a glimpse of him puttering around his yard with his wife at his side. Never to miss that opportunity, I spun back around and rolled into to have a quick chat. To know his as we all did, was just absolutely heart breaking. Here was a man I had known as a machine, impervious to the elements that may have slowed others. The go-to guy, that made things happen. The guy that could and did withstand a lot in his life. But as much of a rock as he was, the battles were taking their toll. I made sure to pass the word to some of the other guys, as it was clear, he could use the support. As too often happens, that war eventually took our friend. It seems it was sometime the next year I ran across his wife walking the dog one morning. A true ray of sun on even the cloudiest mornings. In her truest character, when asked, she came to the aid of our friends at Huntsman, through the "Porpoise". Talk about swinging for the fence; she knocked it out of the park! I'm blessed to have earned your friendship as well.

These are but only a couple of the stories - in a much abbreviated format, making things happen for others. The "Porpoise" has never been about an individual, but it is truly about individuals strengths and muster, toward a much larger effort. It takes all of us at times, but inspiration and leadership is somewhat organic, as demonstrated with these two remarkable individuals. It happens in the most unexpected of places. We should all aspire to be as much.

Thank you both so much for leading the way at the drop of a simple text message. You are truly heroes and shall be blessed beyond measure for being such.

Maybe I should reconsider the entire "Ride HARD" thing

After today, I sure don't feel like I'm living up to the credo of nearly every Porpoise blogpost. When I see the selfless efforts of the supporters, I feel as though I'm only words. Maybe I'm only a paper tiger after all.

Here's one for Colin (Zeke). You will never rust.........

Click Here "The Last Cowboy Song"

Ride....Like you mean it HARD!

The Swell begins & a quick training update

 

The Barometer - CVC

Two weeks out from LOTOJA is the always fabulous Cache Valley Century. What in the past has always been a basic charity ride, has transitioned to.........something a little different. Still a great ride, but several last minute changes under a new event organizer - with some confusion on the overall course. The biggest change was the early roll-out. Years past the start was an open-roll at 08:00 - kind of late for any century (100 mile event). This year, they did a two stage race start at 06:15 & 06:20-ish. The crazy hammer heads were out of the gate and sweeping the goat-heads off the road for we rec-riders. Rec-riders rolled at 06:30 - for the most part. It was still a pretty casual roll-out. I love this ride for a lot of reasons, if for nothing else it covers some beautiful country. That and it gives me a chance to work on group rides - something I really never get to do during the year. Lets just say I know where I stand and what I need to do in the next 10 days.

Rolling groups - Too fast, Too Slow

Right out of the gate, a little hotshot flew past me like a lightning-bolt. No chance to catch that cat. From there I was reeling-in small groups left and right, but they were way too slow.  Finally got onto a small group a couple miles out of Franklin. Not sure what happened there, but I found a few more guys that seemed to be okay. As usual, a little ways before Preston I let them go - knowing that I would catch a group hailing out of the early feed-zone. Sure enough, a group of maybe 20 solid riders pulled out together making for a quick, but comfortable ride west to what was supposed to be Dayton hill - surprise! Blowing down into the river bottom we hit 44 MPH, while managing the group. About halfway across the bottom stretch was a hard lefthand turn up a different hill. All the momentum shot to make the turn and start a grind. Instead of trying to burn the glycogen stores, I decided to spin my way to the top. Talk about getting dropped - hard! I lost all sight of that group by the time I got over that thing. What an IDIOT! Pushing down over the bars, everything I saved by spinning to the top was now having to be spent making up ground. Of course I rode the next 20 minutes alone, but slowly caught up with a couple riders heading toward Corndog (Cornish). With five miles to go before Trenton, it looked like we had a cohesive group. Several of these riders were doing the 60 mile course, while about eight others were on the 100 mile course. What we didn't know was the way they had split the course having skipped Dayton, would take us up Trenton Hill on another hard righthand turn. This is about a mile climb, with some variations to maybe 8%. Again, I misjudged and let the group outrun me. By the time I got over the top, that group was well on its way to Clarkston - without me. I could see a couple guys that I thought I could catch. At the turn I could see how far behind I really was. Trying to bridge the gap, I pushed a little harder up the hill before the descent into Newton. Once over the hill, those two guys opened a very wide gap. I caught those guys at the bottom of the hill just before town - and they weren't climbers. Another affirmation of how poorly I was doing on those climbs. Skipping the Newton feed-zone, I was right out on SR23 running toward the Mendon feed-zone. I rolled out of Mendon with a group of guys that didn't seem terribly strong, dropping them on the hill out of town (yes, me dropping someone instead of the other way around). Holding a pretty steady clip, solo, to Valley View, I had to stop for traffic - only to find that those guys were right behind me the entire way. Realizing it was better to ride with that group than go solo, I hooked on all the way out through Benson and Amalga. A couple of these guy made me nervous, in the way the line moved around. I rode with a couple other cats that were a little faster, but still pretty sketchy. Heading back toward Corndog park, I let them all go, thinking I was better alone than taking the chance. I had to work so hard I had sweat in my eyes, forcing me to stop at Corndog park. This is only like 12 mile from the end - well within striking distance for a strong finish. Going home I had a couple chances to hook-on to a couple fast, but small groups. I don't know why, but I always finish this one on my own. Coming into the west side of Richmond is a little hill that kicked my trash last year. This year (alone again) I punched it over the top with several gears to spare. At the end, I felt like I had still had gas, but also knew I'd been riding. I didn't feel too bad - even a little positive.

The Stats tell the tale......

Looking at the final Garmin stats, I could have done a lot better. All things considered, I know where I need to focus over the next week. A couple serious rides this week, with some hard intervals toward the weekend. The key at this point is a few incremental improvements without doing any damage. I don't have enough miles to "taper" like a lot of guys are doing a this point. Basically, I'm going into LOTOJA hard. I need to get some things out of my head and learn to hang-on where it counts.

Big Results to Huntsman

Supporters of both Huntsman and the Porpoise-Effort came through this week  - with short notice. Over the past few days, seeing the donations and comments roll in - truly inspired me. I will take the time to pay tribute to all of the Porpoise supporters over the next week. For now, I can only express my awe and gratitude for the response to the last minute appeal. It sounds stupid, but it gets me very emotional. Several of these supporters have very personal stories and experiences that are why we do this. The fact that so many gave so much in such a short period is a testament of the good that resides in all of us - above else. It is important to know how much of a difference we all can make in nearly any capacity. You all have done and continue to demonstrate this tremendous human quality.

You are Wonderful

This bit of inspiration comes from a friend, that insists we all need to remind ourselves of our own positive attributes. Sometimes we doubt our self-worth. Other times, we simply forget how the little acts of kindness go much farther than can be seen. In todays world, it is easy to lose track of what really matters - to the point of remembering what makes us who we really are. Nothing happens purely by accident. Every little thing in our lives is deposited into a box that someday will shape the outcome of a critical event. Make that deposit count, knowing that someday you will need it to survive. Sure, we all have of our less than "proud" moments, but don't let those define the outcome - your outcome. Rather, develop the wisdom that makes you a better person. You are wonderful! Take inventory. Re-examine your values - those things that you still believe, but left behind for various reasons. Incremental improvements will get you there. Don't be content with the comfort that is "easy living". You were built to be more. We find out too late how much more we were capable of, only to lament our position. Ten years ago, I had just returned from a grueling 112 mile suffer-fest. My dad was nearing the end of his life and not able to get out for much. He told me "I wish I could still ride a bike". That stuck with me to this very day. Never take anything for granted. Your wonderful existence is a function of your ability to make the most of every breathing moment. When that day comes when you wish to be able to do those things you can no longer do, you will still feel as though you are wonderful in that legacy you will have left behind. You are wonderful! Don't waste your opportunity to grow that gift. You in turn will help someone else feel their self worth. Be genuine. Be true. Continue to be Awesome.

5150 - Thanks Steve

Steve's donation came in as "$51.50". I can see him as a "Van-Hagar" kind of guy. This one is for you from 5150............

Click here for a little VH - play it loud!

Ride HARD!