WHY?

I had somebody ask me that a couple of years ago. Why would you follow them around, carry their "stuff", pull over when they waved at you. No way would that person do that.

Well -

How else can you get 12 men in spandex to stand close together and smile. Either they are being nice or delaying the pain.

Some people love the sounds of the birds singing (and I do) but I also love the sound of the wheels as they get near. I know when they are ready to top a climb without looking - it is that sweet sound of wheels rolling (rather fast) on the road.



I always love to watch Goose ride (now that he likes to ride). I love the different faces he makes - What have I gotten myself into this time.


Or - Oh God am I gonna die?


And yes, it has been correctly reported that I love spandex :p


Maybe it is the look of determination on every one's face as they finish a climb that makes me respect the bike and the riders

Or maybe it is a Rhino hosing himself down as the house alarm is blaring

The cars definitely showed respect to the riders on Sunday. Or maybe riding the speed limit and the cars couldn't pass.

Could it be that I want to know who got the rabbit ears that day - guess it is Rhino's turn

Or maybe it is because no matter how much pain, how hard, Goose let's me know he is OK and it was worth it. Of course Willis is still charging (and always with a smile)



It doesn't really matter why I do it, it matters that you allow be to continue doing it. To see first hand how you help each other (as Egg put it - TEAM WORK). Todd M. didn't have the miles on his legs, he shows up to ride, everyone was looking back to see where he was, some headed back to help him get back on. A couple of guys hadn't ridden that far in a while, or maybe not that distance ever - it didn't matter, regrouping and encouragement from the longer distant riders was awesome. Dobo showing up after doing a Century the day before in W. VA - priceless. It seems like everyone had their moment on the climbs, either mastering or defeated. It didn't matter - congrats were all around when stops were made.
When I was behind you on some of the climbs, I willed you my short stubby legs to help get you up the climb, cheered to myself when you reached the top. Priceless was at Ron's Mom's when the security alarm was going off - everyone just went about their business - eating, watering the lawn, bathing (lol). Police finally showed up, all he had to do was look around - men in spandex - hmmm probably not robbing the place.

I really appreciate Egg and Dobo at the end, the 2nd time at the Gorge, I think the Viagra finally wore off.

Why do I do it - miss all this fun --- not on your life.