I started later then planned (details to come) and the picture below shows the massive line of riders waiting to start. The line stretched ten people wide for several hundred yards. It was an impressive site—but I would have rather been in the front of the pack.

Here is a picture of me at the top of Emerald Bay. The day's first big climb. It starts at mile 11 and climbs 700 feet over one mile of switch backs. Then they sneak in a second hill that climbs another 400 feet in less then a mile. Unfortunately there was a major accident at the bottom that had us backed up for about 15 minutes.

Below is much much later in the ride—grinding up Spooner Junction. Spooner was the death of me. It was an 8 mile climb with little shade at 7K feet above sea level. It was hot and I was tired. Special thanks to Steve Asche who stuck with me the entire agonizing slow climb up the last hills of the 100 mile loop.

And finally, this is me crossing the finish line. I was too tired to utter a wahoo or even throw a fist pump in defiance of gravity that was working against me all day—but the great people of Team in Training and the ride supporters more then made up for me. It felt great. For me this was an epic accomplishment—something I will never forget.

Thanks for your continued support.

Stay tuned for the Big Fat Ride Update.