Well, I ended up getting into RAMROD at the last minute. I was 119 on the wait list and figured I didn't have a prayer. I guess a lot of folks dropped out late, because I recieved an e-mail about a week before the ride informing me that I was now officially able to participate in the ride I guess that was good news? Anyway, I spent the week getting my bike ready, watching the weather forecast and mentally preparing myself for the ride. I got up at 2:30 am and headed for Enumclaw. I arrived around 5am and was began the ride about 5:30. It was very cold at the start - around 43 degrees and didn't warm up for a couple of hours. But, the sun was out and we had beautiful weather. I had some trouble with my right knee early in the ride - not good with all the climbing ahead (I took an Aleve and that helped to dull the pain). I started the climb up to Sunrise taking care not to put too much stress on my knee (translation - low gear). Made that climb and descent and decided to push on. Got over Backbone Ridge and started up Cayous with a lot of pain in my knee, but was able to get to the top and very much enjoyed the descent. I was posting a slow time and worried about finishing before the cutoff, so I popped another Aleve and pushed for the finish (mostly downhill) and finished at 7:30. I'm proud to have finished and it is a very pretty ride and well supported. I would probably consider doing it again.
I had an MRI on Thursday and waiting to see what's up with my knee.
Anybody else do RAMROD???

-Dog