And now that I've spent an hour or so scanning through all the over-priced photos at Zazoosh, I though I'd post a few of the options I have for my next mouse pad (just $19.95) or 15-oz. photo mug (a very reasonable $22.95). [Mom and Pop, if you're still looking for ideas for a graduation gift... kidding.] Seriously, it would take a 15-oz. mug just to fit this chubby biker's gut on my next sugary serving of Steven's Extra Dark:
Overall, it was a very good day. Felt good on the climbs—faster than I've climbed in the past, which, let's be honest, wouldn't take much of an improvement. I get passed by old people on Lil Rascals anytime the road points upwards. And I was surprised how fast we were able to ride on some of the flats—28 mph at times with very little effort.
The only real pain was in the last 40 miles or so, when my feet were on fire. Palms, feet, and seat take most of the bumps and pressure, so they get a little sore, but the balls of my feet were screaming. Riding up the canyon, I just wanted to soak my dogs in the Snake River and watch the steam rise...
Here we are coming off the summit in Strawberry Canyon, headed toward Bear Lake Valley. Me, Troy, then Shawn. First rule of downhill: Always put the fat guy in front to block the wind for the skinny guys. Notice there's no one in front of me.
As always, it was nice to have a few fans cheering us on. The early start meant fewer people between Logan and Preston, but there were plenty of people in Jackson, including the nice lady who was squirting bikers with her hose as we went by. Except for this guy:
How do you think my butt feels, Asweepay?
Placed 175th in the fun ride... out of more than 400 that started. Now I've finished four—04, 05, 06, and 09. I'm too close to five to not ride again next year, so the plan is to train smarter, lose more weight, and win King of the Mountains, which will only require me to take about nine or ten minutes off my climbing time of 23:05. And maybe we can finish in less than 11 hours?
Here's hoping that both Troy, Shawn, and even Scott decide to add just one more.
