[MarkS]

Also almost died in an accident coming down the mountain in the shuttle.

Some moving van was FLYING up the road and in a right turn was at least 1 foot over the yellow line...

Our driver was coming outside in and going down in the left turn and some how threw on the brakes and went a little wider and came back into the turn while being scared to death herself..

We could of either went flying off the side of the road into the trees or been hit head on by this moving van (at least 18' size) and pushed over the edge.. it would of been horrible

Hats off to our driver to keep us on the road.

My day was not as good as bas's day -- I had my worst finish other then the first year I did the MoM (2002). I came in around 9:25. I was doing well and rode with bas from about the 15 mile mark until the 78 mile mark. The hills on the Clover Hollow loop just killed me. By the time that I made it to the 78 mile mark (Newport Recreation Center), I was dying. My stomach hurt (something I had had problems with in the past) and my lower back was throbbing (a new problem). But, I decided to push on. By the time I made it half way up the Mountain Lake climb, I had nothing left in me. I got off of the bike and walked the rest of the way; I was ready to collapse at the finish line.

I enjoyed riding with bas and meeting RedSoxJunkie at the finish line. bas waited for me at the top of Johns Creek and at the 78 mile mark. So, his time probably would have been several minutes faster if he had not waited -- I really appreciate what bas did. After Johns Creek, bas and I traded pulls and really made some time. I also appreciate that bas waited for my belated arrival at the finish line. If he had not waited for me and taken the van down with me, he may not have come as close to death as he did.

I have a lot of work to do before I go to France in July and back to the MoM next year. I suffered yesterday like I have only a very few times on the bike. I can't say that I enjoy the suffering, but for some strange reason, I already want to go back next year.

 

[MarkS]

I kept telling RedSox that you couldn't be TOO far behind...

When the tank is out of gas . . .:cryin:

Again, I really appreciated the fact that both of you waited for me at the finish line. I am not a quitter, but I was sorely tempted when the SAG came by on the final climb and said:" Are you sure that you want to finish?" But, I knew that you were at the top and there was no way that I was going to cross the finish line in the SAG. It took all of the energy that I had to get on the bike and ride the final few hundred feet so that I could say that I rode across the finish line. :thumbsup: