Herb Brooks: Great moments… are born from great opportunity. And that’s what you have here, tonight, boys. That’s what you’ve earned here tonight. One game. If we played ’em ten times, they might win nine. But not this game. Not tonight. Tonight, we skate with them. Tonight, we stay with them. And we shut them down because we can! Tonight, WE are the greatest hockey team in the world. You were born to be hockey players. Every one of you. And you were meant to be here tonight. This is your time. Their time is done. It’s over. I’m sick and tired of hearing about what a great hockey team the Soviets have. Screw ’em. This is your time. Now go out there and take it. – Miracle (2004)

Wow – I smelled smoke all night long and it was intense. The temperature also dropped quite a bit- so much so that one could see their breath. Many cyclists are already hacking and coughing and the smoke seems to exasperate the condition. Whatever I had last week seem to be gone although some of my cuts and scrapes seem to be infected albeit not very bad. I have been applying triple antibiotic crème.

It is almost 2 weeks on the road / trail and I am beginning to get a routine down. I really don’t like to discipline myself to adhere to a strict schedule and some semblance of organization, but it is a necessity. I keep losing misplacing items though. It is a pain to keep buying reading glasses.

The ride today was altered again due to the fires. It was supposed to have been a tough ride up Richland Pass, but instead was an easy jaunt on the highway. The biggest problem was all the trucks in close proximity since we had very little shoulder, if any. Lots of curves and small climbs make it harder to spot the cyclists. All-in-all, traffic is more hazardous that bears or other wildlife.

I decided to ride hard today and came in with the early group. It turned out to be one of the windiest days we have experienced. This is more normal for the west as many of our afternoons have been calm. It is very warm but the breeze helps cool it down a bit. I figured out how to use my cell as a hot spot and that seems to be working well. I am typing this in my tent, not good on the back and joints when you are considered “a senior citizen”! Tomorrow a tougher day, off road and more climbing.

Thanks for Reading!

Tailwinds

Chuck

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