I started last, went fast, and lasted to second upon Lewiston

It was a great ride, once I got started. We awoke before 4 to get a jump on this long day. Now that we are in the Pacific time zone the mornings come earlier. Getting out at sunrise assures us less heat and wind potential.

I found my tire flat when retrieving my bike. Apparently I picked up a small wire yesterday, causing a slow leak. As the team was getting briefed on the day I was taking care of that business, so failed to take a cue sheet of the day's directions. No problem, for I glanced at a map the day before, and the roads to Lewiston were southbound and limited.

It was cool, but not as cold as usual, so I wore my tights and jacket. I had a full night's sleep, for I turned in before lights-out. I felt strong, so took the first hour hard, averaging 18.9 mph in the first 21 miles. My goal was to catch Steve. I spoke with him as he was leaving the break stop, but that doesn't count for I wanted to catch him on the road. It was the last I would see him.

I wasn't aware of that at the time, of course, so set off on the next 20 with great hope. I passed more riders. At 40 miles I kept my stop short, for that was the only way I'd gain time. I was feeling good, and keeping my average speed over 18. I was pulling a few other riders, one of which was Mike. As we approached a hill he passed me, and showed me how to climb as I drafted behind him at over 18 mph. I don't climb at that speed, but can now that he showed me I can. Cycling distance at speed is merely a state of mind and skill at this point for all the riders, for after these miles all are physically conditioned enough to do so; it's a mental state that keeps us from not performing to our potential. We all can learn and gain strength from one-another.

I almost missed the 60 mile break, only noticing it for Tom yelling to me, attracting my attention. I wasn't keeping track of anything but cadence and speed up to that point. At the short break I asked who was ahead; Steve, of course, and Dan, who I saw pull out of the stop. I told Tom my goal was to catch Steve, and he said "I think you can." I wolfed down a banana, picked up a couple pounds of water, and head off after them.

I didn't see either for the next 20 miles. These two are strong riders. At the 80 mile mark Dan was taking a casual break. Tom shook his head at me and said "I though Mark Major was making a comeback." I wasn't done yet. I left with Dan, who let me pull ahead, and now it was just Steve I had to catch.

Old Spiral Highway requires intestinal fortitude to take at speed

At the top of Old Spiral Highway I stopped to reset my camera to full video (still editing at this point). Having climbed up out of Lewiston last year I knew what we were headed down. It's a 2000 foot drop over 10 miles of 64 curves. I did my best to not feather the brakes, but there were just some turns that were too hot to handle at those speeds. When I reached the bottom there was Steve's chalk mark indicating the turn into town.

I was in trouble once I got into town, for I got on a bicycle path that took me off the course I had no instructions for. I waited for Dan, who guided me in. It wasn't noon yet. Dan's data said he made the 94+ miles in just over 5 hours. My average speed at day's end was 18.3 mph.

Clean laundry strewn for collection

Then...laundry duty! Figure 38 people, 34 of which sweat profusely every day, and it has been three ride days and one work day of accumulation and fermentation. I figure between 200-250 lbs of rancid spandex and cotton. I'm okay with that until I get what I call "the vapors". A good whiff and I'm reduced to a involuntarily retching mess. I hate it, but it's not a bad gig really, for it means we only have to do our real work on that day; we are excluded from meal preparation and loading and other daily tasks. It's a great bonding experience, but you tend to get to know the team a little too well. Just too much information can be shared through derriere detritus.

Dinner was provided by our hosts here at Congregational Presbyterian Church of Lewiston. A number of the group spoke for our hosts, sharing fun times, and Laurie's share was especially heartwarming as she described her week's experience with us. This entire movement is powerful, changing all who experience it. I know how I felt my first experience, and this year has shown me greater examples of what I witness every day as a result of being shown the goodness of humanity.  Just as with cycling is our ability to serve; all are physically conditioned enough to do so; it's a spiritual state that keeps us from not performing to our potential. We all can learn and gain strength from one-another.