downtown guy...

Slowly coming around, my mental state that is...

The story continues...I forgot to mention that after I dropped off the pace letting Tim & Charlie forge on, I was passed shortly thereafter by a runaway freight train consisting of Dennis Grelk, John Gorilla, & Sean Mailen. John calmly stated "hi troy" as the locomotive thundered by. These three were on a mission to get Tim & Charlie back under control.

During my time alone, I came upon the B Rd. that we had been warned about at the pre-race meeting. These pictures don't really illustrate how g-narly this track really was. A 20 minute sketchy hike up & over this rutted out monster.

Where am I? I have no idea...
Rideable? Not today boy...
As I exited this section I happened upon Steve Fuller preparing to grab some photos of folks coming off this section. He advised me that a large group of about 10 was coming up behind me. I told him I would welcome the company. Truth be told, part of me wanted the companionship but another part wanted to push harder to keep the group behind me.

I made it to Traer where I found Dennis at the convenience store getting his self back together. The pace the lead group was setting forced him to take a step back & regroup for the long haul. He said he would wait for me to grab something inside & we could head out together. This was the best news I had heard all day. Just what I needed, a veteran racer to team up with & guide me through the night! As we departed, the group behind rolled in to Traer. This was the last time we saw them. Dennis was hammering & I was right behind him. We hit the 2nd checkpoint (mile 177) at around 7:30 pm.

Fast forward...1:00 am - Belle Plaine, IA. Dennis & I roll out of town & there in front of us coming our way are 2 riders, it's Tim & Charlie! Now we are 4 & only 2 riders up the road, Gorilla & Mailen. Lets go...

So how was I feeling? Riding through the night for the first time in my life? Good for now, but it's always darkest before the dawn (or something like that). Rough times alert.

Hey! Downtown guy, Thanks for being there my friend, BYH.

More coming.

Later,

TK