Great ride, Veronica! That climb up the back side of Hamilton is a tough one. (The other side is a lot easier.) I just did Mines from the Junction back down as part of my self supported century a week or so ago. I love that last part of Mines where its' mostly down with some rollers and you can just fly!

Sorry about the knees, but it sounds like they got gradually better?

I just read a great article in the NY Times Sports Magazine about the guy who's won RAAM the last couple of years. Basically he's a nut case and slowly goes crazy and delusional during his rides. Don't emulate him. However, the positive point from the article, and the reason I bring it up, was they cited a lot of research that basically proves that most of what gets you through an ultra endurance event is mental. And it's pretty clear from your posts that you have the mental thing DOWN for DMD. I think if it can be done, you'll do it!

Sarah