That is Andy Hampsten that I'm standing with in the last two photos in the flickr album He does all the rides (and plus some--took off on a couple scouting loops at the top of the Passo delle Erbe while the rest of us were recovering at the top of the pass--that was probably the most the most challenging ride I've ever done, but he was still fresh as a daisy...) (One of the guides on the trip had a friend sub for him on our last day--the guy at one point asked me "how old is Andy? He's in really good shape!" Yes he is...)

Andy is a wonderful guy, really nice, a lot of fun, and beauty in motion to watch on a bicycle. His wife Elaine is also a delight, and getting to ride and hang out with her was one of the things I was looking forward to this year. Then there's our trip angel/mechanic/SAG van/delicious ride food preparer Gerardo. Here's a photo at the top of Passo delle Erbe with them--two of my favorite people!



The guides on the trip were also marvelous--I knew two of them from last year, and because it was a larger group this year, one more guy joined, Jonathon (aka "Gianone") who was a goofball fun guy (and really good at what he does). He talked me into a double espresso with VOV (egg liqueur) at our coffee stop at 10:30AM Passo delle Erbe day. That stuff sits you straight up! And I will say, I did feel pretty awesome that day...