Nice ride. Will do again next year. Staffed well. Started out just right - not too fast as usual. Worked through the pack through Mesquite. Got clear outside the city. Lots of flats, some rolling hills. The wind was noticeable after about 10 miles. From 20 through 40 was mostly alternating headwinds and then quartering into it. Continued passing folks against the wind which was blowing about 15mph or so. Told each one that they could pull in behind and I would pull for everyone. I saw some appreciative looks... My buddy Johnny took a couple turns pulling as well. Had 10-15 people behind us for several miles. Got to what I thought was the final rest stop and found out we still had 18 miles to go instead of 10 - that's a bit demoralizing... Just kept the legs turning over. Worked to keep cadence about 85-90. Finish was up hill and just in time - it was starting to get hot.

Hydrated well. Ate some cookies at two of the rest stops. Ran into a guy that I met at the Tour of Dallas ride and met some other nice people. These sorts of events are great.

Nothing in the ride. I was quite enjoyable.

Notes for next year: Arrive early like this year. Package pickup was easy on site. Air conditioned facility was great for the post race food. Parking was good in front. Try to find the back lot with the shade.

Stopped abruptly and went into the large air conditioned building and enjoyed some free grub and drinks. Slow pedaled to the car, packed up.


Lack of training. Need to continue working on hills! Conditioning is much better than Muenster ride, but still a long way to go.


Not much activity after the race. Just free what a burger chicken tender standwiches and lots of free coke products like dasani, vitamin water, and fuze.

This was a great ride overall though. Lots of volunteers, very organized, started right on time. Will do again for sure!