I hope everybody had a good ride! Ours went really well, overall. Even though we had a headwind instead of the usual tailwind, I was so happy with the weather this year--I think cloudy and comfortably cool is my power weather...

I really enjoyed the new route through Joint Base Lewis McChord--I hope that becomes established tradition. Twelve miles of traffic-free roads, instead of angry drivers. Yes please! (As a return to reality, soon after we emerged from the base onto Highway 507, a pickup went by, flying a large Confederate flag, and rolling coal.)

This year seemed to have less sketchy riding than years past--maybe it was just the little bubble that I was in, but whatever it was, it worked for me. There was a woman in the first few miles--when we're 6+ across the road--complaining "you're supposed to call out 'on your left' when you pass"--given that anyone on her left was also on someone's right, I'm not sure how she thought calling out would do anything other than confuse things. But for the most part, people seemed to be attentive, aware, and not taking silly risks

At any rate, for the most part we were able to avoid scary group riding, but were able to hook up with some nice strong pacelines, or just go on our own, and it was probably the least-stress STP I've had. And no mechanicals!

This year really highlighted for me the different kinds of fitness involved in bicycling. I don't have as many long rides this year, but I have been pushing it on the rides I do, both on my commute and on some of the hilly/mountain rides I've managed to get in. I could feel the lack of longer rides in my neck and wrists, and my lower back protested a few times, but on the other hand, I felt way stronger overall. There are a couple places that are always low points for me, and they were again, but there were some other spots where I felt the best I ever have on STP. I felt fast, and strong, and that was really fun!

I'm looking forward to next year!