In my circle of immediate friends, Jobob gets the award for most improvement. It is truly stupendous.

I know it wasn't really that hot but portions of that climb are completely exposed and no breeze. I had sweat running down my delicate chamois butt'red Assos.

The heat really built up and at least one guy was sitting on the side of the road looking like he had just hurled. To tell you how slow we were going, I asked him if he needed anything. He said yes and then proceeded to give me a long list of what he was equipped with - while I was still trying to ride by.

It was a beautiful ride and a fun day. The artery-clogging postride gorge at IHOP was yummy, and my new motto describing my attitude about rides is "A ride should never interfere with the cocktail hour."

Jo is kickin' some major tookas out there on the roads.