Great job HoosierGiant. It sounds like you had a really strong ride. I'm sorry for your fall, the Garmin issue and your almost-lost water bottle, but it sounds like you recovered in fine form from each.
I can so relate to your experience, as you might imagine. I had a few of those "I'm really going to finish this" moments along the way, too. Given how nervous I was at the start, it was a big relief. We chased down a few groups of guys during the last leg of the ride, too. What fun that was!!!!!
I'm already excited about 2008! Dare we wish for that kind of wind again?
Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Continue to learn. Appreciate your friends. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.
--Mary Anne Radmacher