Sunday Ride

Egg met Goose at PECO today for a Sunday stroll in the park. Crilli was racing, Dobo had done a Century on Saturday, so it was the dynamic dual. Goose was extremely happy with the ride today , Egg gave compliments on climbing and Egg made him work today - thanks! I think GA really helped Goose, mentally and physically. This is the first time he has ridden in 1 week - he was smart, rested his legs. Saturday he said he FINALLY felt "normal". For mile by mile report, ya gotta read Egg's blog - I am not good at that.

I also headed out alone today. Anyone that really knows me realizes that it is really easy for me to get lost. Made one wrong turn but the miles ended up the same. No wind is still not my friend, BUT I put my head down and stayed with it. When it came to the one climb that I really struggle with, I just remember what Egg told the pros riding up Brasstown, Click, Click. That is what I did and I was at the top before I knew it. Am I pleased with my ride? You betcha skippy!

I really like riding with Jeff, I feel more comfortable on the rode, I don't have to watch for distractions, but today was a 10 day for me.

Thoughts

They came

They rode

They conquered

I guess that would be a quick summary of the trip to Helen. But I don't think it tells the entire story of the rides.

I had the privilege of watching a group of men conquer the mountains in their own time and way. I saw the smiles that passed by, sometimes quickly replaced with faces of determination and pain. I watched them cheer each other on as they reached their appointed sign. The handshakes and hugs that followed at each regrouping area. I also watched as some were able to rid themselves of burdens that have followed this past year. I watched a man tear up his past, another ride to his future beating cancer. I had breakfast and dinner with a group that have help make a difference in my life. My grandson made new friends that will hopefully influence his life. I was able to watch the man in my life accomplish something really important - mind over the road.

I had fun, AJ had fun, Jeff had fun and conquered - what more could a person ask for? Well maybe ---- God willing, we will be there next year.

Egg

Is that all ya got?

Ya wanna ride another 50?

Back in Kansas (Or Atleast Tipp)

Wow, what a trip, in many ways. We clicked our heels this morning and said "We want to go home". Trip started out excellent, decided to grab one more free breakfast and head out. Trip through the mountains was beautiful. Some of the roads had been accomplished via bike, and Goose commented on how different it was driving it.

All was good until we hit the interstate system - and then bam - slow moving. I think we hit every construction site in the 5 state area. Then with a 3 1/2 year old, he had to pee 10 times in each state. We ran in and out of rain, and then whammy heavy rain, construction, wrecks, etc. It took us over 11 hours to get home.

It was so much fun to get away, and feels just as good to get home safely. I plan on getting Egg all the pictures I have, hopefully Ron will provide his to us also. It will be fun to see what Egg does with all the pictures. I am sure he will tell a good story.

Back to realty, Goose and I need to get back to the grind of everyday stuff and everyone needs to train their butts off for upcoming races.

Sad Day for AJ

Today was a sad day for AJ - his new friends headed out for home. Nicholas was the first to say good-bye - AJ refused to tell him bye - he cried after he left. In the next few minutes things we ok in Helen GA land - his "uncles" showed up. We can't thank enough the Cows for amusing AJ, Nicholas for being his new friend, Nicholas' mommy for taking him to play (which was a saving grace for me). After play time with "uncles" it was time to also tell them bye.

All I can say what a great group this year. It has been a couple of years since we could make a Cow trip, we have already committed to next year. Rumor has it Rhino also committed.

Today was a family trip day. Made a trip to Babyland for a special Mother's Day present and to fix the DVD cord that AJ dismantled while the guys were riding.

Head home on Monday, Goose and I agreed, we could have stayed a couple more day.

Saturday

Rick has so much fun today he decided to ride the course again backwards!

Walked up most of Brasstown Bald to see the pros race - awesome site for Noose and Goose.

Off to dinner, play putt putt and then to bed.

What A Day

All I can say is -- WHAT A DAY TO CLIMB! Today separated the boys from the men and I Perkied for all Men. Awesome ride today and I have a new respect for Brasstown and Hog Pen. I got to do a little "trail magic" for Applachian Trail Hikers. After the ride we took a fast and winding journey to catch the end of Tour De Georgia stage. Out to dinner and bed time.