Update on Bob and the Gambler's Classic

I thought, about a month ago, I had better ride in an organized ride to be sure I knew what I was getting myself into. I entered the Heber Century in Heber Utah. WOW, what an amazing ride. I found out 38 miles into it (at the top of a hill that nearly KILLED ME) that the Heber Century is the hardest ride in Utah. Nice initiation into organized cycling!
Bob Ciapini passed away the Monday before the Heber ride and Patrick joined me. It was good to see him although he dusted me by well over 20 miles and was sleeping in the vehicle when my crippled, old, hiney reached the finish line.
Yesterday was day two of the Gambler's Classic. It was a fantastic experience and a fabulous ride. An amazing amount of hills and outrageous climbs, but oh so worth it! After the 8 hour drive home (did I mention I moved to Utah to go to Grad school in August?) it was difficult to walk. When I woke up this morning I could barely move but the more I forced myself (and gulped NSAID's) the better I could move until tonight I feel pretty good. No sore muscles, just the failing arthritic knees and bad spine objecting to the whole thing.
At times, I wondered if I hadn't taken a wrong turn because I was all alone out in the desert, no cyclists or support vehicles in sight. It was a peaceful feeling on flat land but I often asked myself what the heck I was doing out there on the hills! I asked Bob for help more than once and found the strength to continue.
I was dead last for quite a distance on Saturday til a second flat tire took me out a few miles from the end. Sunday's finish was a bit more glorious as I passed two GEEZERs (as they called themselves) about 20 miles from the finish and managed to stay in ahead of them and another the balance of the ride. I met some great folks! Many thanks to Tim for the extra tube for Sunday and to Reed and his dad, Herold (?? I am terrible with names!) the third guy I was able to stay in front of. Reed kept me company as we sparred for most of the ride Sunday, neat kid, I hope he makes it to BYU and finds his dreams.
Watching the father and son team was nice. I wished that Patrick had been able to join me for the ride but he is much more powerful than I am, it would likely have been a repeat of the Heber ride.
At this time, I am looking forward to Spinn class while the snow flies here at home and the MS 150 in Florence, Arizona in March 2010, which promises to have stable elevations! Woo Hoo
Maybe next year I will join Reed and Herold for the Gambler's Classic again. As it stands now, I am grateful that the weather was SO perfect, I only had two flat tires, I was not one of the unfortunate one's hauled back to Vegas in ambulances, and that I only have the few problems I have been given and not MS. Thank you, God, for as perfect a weekend as I could have had!