It was a long hill. I like that kind of terrain though - few cars, lots of trees. You can hear the birds and the wind in the leaves - 'cause you're going so slow! The views off to the left on the descent were amazing. I should have taken pictures, but I was too busy blowing snot rockets. I had almost the same reaction as you though, when we turned that sharp corner and the road conditions went to h*ll in a handbasket and the climb continued...

Speaking of snot rockets - AG was pretty funny when we got to first rest stop. The first thing I did when I got off my bike was find a non-traffic area to blow out both nostrils. (Stupid cold!) AND she points it out to everybody!

I forgot to write that I did get my tire back. The Pilot made some really cool bike racks for DMD. Other rides organizers should copy that design. Thom was really impressed with how well they went together and how easily. The t-shirt he designed is AWESOME! Thom gave one of ours away to the ham operator at Morgan Territory. I'm hoping Jesse has another medium for me, because they are cool!

V.