Traditionally this is the hardest day for several reasons, 1) 5 climbs one right after the next, 2) the first climb starts at the step of the hotel in Eureka, 3) the climbs get bigger as the day progresses, 4) the approach to Connors pass requires many miles of riding into a strong wind, 5) everyone has body parts that just don’t want to function without extra effort, 6) the setsy bones are bright red, and 7) now what was 7 – oh yes, days one and two. Now to off set this are the reasons why this is the best day of the ride. 1) Everyone is struggling together. 2) Strong bonds have been built, 3) The beautify desert scenery with green valleys and mountain tops graced with white snow fields and yellow, red, white and purple flowers along the roadside. (I bore everyone by giving them names – they all think I just make them up). 4) willingness to relying on each others strengths. 5) lunch at McDonalds in Ely (just kidding about that one. 6) The fantastic descents. Every climb is followed by a descent and riding almost 10 miles without hardly touching the peddles at well over 30 MPH is a rush that brings high fives and knuckle busters around.
Both Scott and I felt really good the entire day and were happy to help out when ever we could. But when it comes to climbing there is little that we could do to help so Jeff would give us a ‘climbing pass’ and let us knock heads as much as we liked. I’ve become the bad guy in all of this as it seems everyone is cheering for Scott to take Larry on the climb. Well, the first climb out of Eureka I told Scott the summit was yet some distance off when in fact it was just a little out of sight. I took advantage of his lack of attention and sprinted around and on to the top uncontested. That brought some words of scorn and jeers from his supporters. The next pass was Scott’s by a wheel length. My own fault this time as I had jumped early and got a big gap on him then let off thinking he was demoralized and would not contest my win. I looked back a couple of times and didn’t see him coming. Then just like that he was on me and passed by and I had no time to respond. Way to go Scott. That brought lots of back-slaps from his friends. The next two passes we tackled with vigor but in the end called a truce at the top and crossed together. The last pass, Connors, started the same as all the others, fast and steady, but at the top it was each man for himself. The 27 MPH sprint to the top did not yield a clear winner. I think I did, Scott claims he did. We have left it in the hands of the Steve to look at the photos Holly took and decide who actually one. It was a good day of riding with fun climbs and fantastic descents. Jeff was marvelous as was everyone. Scott and I were faster on the climbs, but we clearly did not work any harder than anyone else. The ride is not about who wins or looses but getting everyone through the day and that we accomplished so everyone is a winner. It’s like our friends who are struggling with cancer, the only thing that matters is winning, how it’s done is secondary.

Now I would be remiss not to mention the support staff. What a wonderful, caring group. It seemed that on every corner or turn out someone was there to take a photo, provide some water or what ever else is needed.

And finally, there is Ravel! We are trying to figure out just what nick name to give him. I’m kinda partial to tag-along. He has the uncanny ability to jump on anyone’s draft going down hill and stick there like glue. He has been such a great addition to the ride with a great personality and attitude. He’s also a fantastic photographer, but he has a hard time handling his big camera while blasting down hills at 40-50 MPH.

Sorry to do this but I am running late so please visit   http://kellypave.posterous.com    to see Holly’s photos from Day One.

More to follow – these guys are kicking butt!

Steve

I’ve had problems getting a user name and password that works. I guess Jeff doesn’t want me to tell it like it is out there on the road? Every year this is a new experience, even though the road is the same. Changes in the weather and the people we ride with make it new and interesting and fun. It has been especially pleasing to have Colman and Jo along this year. They are just quality men and now good friends with memories of past rides to share. Steve is a person with an interesting life story that everyone should hear. Another of my growing list of heroes and cancer survivors. He like Jeff has Gods gift of grit and determination and always has something positive to say and a story to go along with it. My buddy Jason – what can I say? We have spent many miles riding with each other and now it has become second nature to take advantage of each others skills in the most efficient way. He is dependable in every way and gives every ounce there is to give. Now comes Scott. Scott has become a new best friend and my nemesis. He is on this trip, I’m sure, to challenge me on every climb and every pull. I’ve manage to out wit him so far but I can see that all coming to an end once he has learned all of my tricks. For example, this morning on the several mile assent of New Pass we were testing each others will at 13-18 MPH on 5-7% grades. I just managed to edge him out when he thought the green sign was the top, but it was only a county border sign and he had dropped off the pace enough that it was an easy win at the top – a hundred yards further on. Oh, yes and we were the last to start the climb and managed to whiz pass everyone along the way with time to spare at the top. And finally, Jeff – he is doing fantastic this year. Always near the front on the flats and down hill runs. Still a little slow on the steep climbs, but never the last up, heart and will describes his character. That leaves me. Not much to be said – I have a reputation to protect and doing my best to keep it. Wagon-master, hill climber, and plodding along at the head of the peloton waiting for the next instruction shouted from Jeff – Too Fast, Too Slow – never satisfied, I tell you. I have felt great and am happy to do my little part to make this trip successful. Today my average speed was 18.9 MPH, but we had 10 mile segments with average speeds of 21.8, 22.5, 20.8, 22.1, 24.0 and 22.2 MPH. All helped along with a friendly wind and great riding organization and drafting in the group. Not bad for this little band of men trying to do something for those with cancer.