That's how I felt today. Even after two days off, I still had no strength on the climb. I felt fine riding out to Chief Timothy in the morning and the flat was better this year. There was actually a pace line of sorts to ride in and the lead group didn't hold us back like they did last year. On the other hand, it turns out I was in the third group back, not the second. Even Lance hadn't been able to join that second group.

Fast ride this year?

Well, no. That east wind slowed my pace line to 20 mph before we got to Red Wolf. And Separator grade separated me. Bikes started passing me and I found I had nothing with which to respond.

Oh, well. It's just a ride on a beautiful June day cool enough to have a nip in the air riding back down, yet warm enough to not need arm warmers or jackets at the start line.

Laura on her pink trek passed me again this year. She wndered if her father was ahead of her. She knew her husband was behind. I told her I was tired of women in pink passing me. She was the second of the day.

The highlight of the day was Jake and his family joining us. Jake caught and passed me on the grade finishing a minute ahead of me. Had he joined the pace line and made better time on the flat, he'd have been pushing that hour mark. That's just inexperience. Well, I suppose being 14, lean, and strong helps. Next year, Jake. And thanks for cooking the burgers at the barbecue.

John MacInturff brought his two sons and his wife for the climb. That's quite a ride for boys of 9 and 10 or there abouts. They made it back for the barbecue and we talked him into the extra 5 bucks for a family membership.