Hi,
This was my first year joining the ALC ride, and it was one of the hardest, most wonderful experiences I've ever had. I was one of the bike techs, so I got to see lots of riders, most of whom were quite cheerful even when exhausted, and they were having bike problems. It was great to see such an amazingly diverse crowd. Everything from racers, to non-bicyclists who trained just for this.
I know how hard all of you riders worked, but now that it's over, and you don't hurt quite so much, does the magnitude of what a magnificent thing you've done hit home? I hope it does.