I saw Trek 420 at orientation then lost her in the mass of lycra. Sorry about your toe, ouch! I rode it all, loved it all and I'm sad that next year I won't be able to ride (my daughter will be graduating at the same time).

ANYONE can do this ride, it is all about pacing yourself and self determination.

I had fast days and slow days, days with shoulder pain, knee pain and the usual pain in the behind. Used lots of chamois cream, sunscreen I wore red lace panties/bra outside my cycling clothes on red dress day. Took pictures with sailors, nuns, 1/2 naked Santas, prison guards. Ate ice cream, fajitas, hamburgers, bar-b-que, lots of apples and bananas, and lovely peanut butter. Yelled on your left as many times as it was yelled at me. Closed my eyes at the steep downhills, grunted on the uphills. Bled a little bit too. I've got a big bruise on my knee and my face is sunburnt.

On the last day, broke a cable and had to have the techs 'Mickey Mouse' my bike in just 2 gears so I could finish. I was not going to sag, it just meant I had to push myself a little harder.

What I enjoy most about this ride is the sense of community that everyone has. I wish the world was this way all the time. All of you should think about doing this ride at least once in your life.