I had to walk three times--twice up the first pipeline trail and then once at the end of the last huge uphill...although I was walking faster than some riders at that point. It was crazy to ride up these steep hills, think you were to the end and then look up into the fog and see the bright colors of riders' jackets going up yet another hill. It kept happening like that-- the fog hid the hills. The sun came out as we finished. Everyone appeared to be having a lot of fun today, and there were around 300 people (best guess) compared to around 100 last year.

There were three poker stations on the course, and we also got one card and the start and the finish. They had great prizes and both LaVonne and Russ won some. My hand was a pair of 7s, not very interesting.

Perhaps ride my mountain bike more often, and get better at hill climbing! I have to say that my bike is OLDE (yes, with an e, it's that old!) and ultra heavy, no shock absorbers besides under the big, cushy gel seat. I feel like I did pretty darn good all things considered.

We lucked out and got seated right away at the Redhook Brewery, the race HQ. We got a free beer with entry (mmm, porter!) and ate lunch. I had the California burger. So delicious, especially since I hadn't really fueled well before the ride, so I was hungry!


Fat ass as usual! Also lack of mountain biking skills and lack of actual mountain bike. But I didn't do it for time and had a great day out there.


I will definitely do this one again next year--the money goes to a great organization and they were well-organized and had good swag as well.