My Dad is the kind of guy that finds a large pile of manure and immediately starts looking for a pony. To say he is optimistic, is a great understatement. He would have told me on Monday afternoon and Tuesday that I had my anal nerve and optical nerve crisscrossed and it was giving me a crappy outlook on life.
I was pretty disappointed by my inability to help the TEAM......my only goal. I posted a BLOG and took it down, thought about what I learned, went out to Donaldson and hammered.
When it really came into perspective, it was pretty easy to find a lot of ponies. We had ton adversity which is part of something like this. We overcame the obstacles for the great results posted here. We had some great individual performances, some priceless moments, and some outstanding teamwork. We are a first year team and we are growing stronger fast. Most of us, me included, are performing higher than we have in long time if not ever.
For some of you who are still wondering what happened to me:
* I was looking back and got my front wheel in a rear skewer 5 mins and 22 sec after the start.
* I miraculously stayed upright.
* The next 42 minutes I walked and was on the SAG for 2 miles.
* I commandeered a wheel from a guy from Kingsport, Tn, Jeff, God Bless him.
* I started riding.
* One mile later I helped put a new tire on Philip's rim and we rode like hell.
* It was 20 minutes before we passed the first person on a mountain bike going 12 mph.
* After a few pulls, it was more and more all me...I rode Philip off my wheel.
* I passed hundreds of people going 14 mph. I saw pain and determination.
* I picked up two or three guys but soon rode them off my wheel....Pat, Mike.
* Mostly solo, I passed Marion at 4:29 meaning I rode it in 3:47 (2 miles short)
* BIRD called and told me to return to the Park.
* I never saw the time mat at Marion or crossed it so I received a DNF.
* At 4:29, I would have been 1st in my AG for the Assault on Marion....little consolation.
* I know I had a strong finish left in me.
I said Monday/Tuesday, I would NEVER do it again. Then, Weinacker called and told me she could win next year. I could immediately envision being out there as a domestique. I immediately thought of all the things we could do better. Tears welled up in my eyes. I read Joe's Blog about he and Cin and tears again. You would think at 60, I would have learned to NEVER say NEVER. I guess I still have lot to learn.
One thing I DON'T have to learn is that I love this TEAM.
7 comments:
...and I will be right there with you again next year. After reading this, I think your optic nerve has been reattached.
...and I will be right there with you again next year. After reading this, I think your optic nerve has been reattached.
And I was wining that I only had one or two wheels to draft off of for 24 miles...and that I was alone leaving Marion...and that I had to P so much! Sheeesh...I can barely stand myself right now!
AND, you had more in the tank when you got to Marion...how cool is that?
Above all, I'm so happy that you are happy again!
Randall lets to this together next year. I still have something to prove to myself.
Yea, Joe. I think I do,too. I am not sure what. I am sure I can't leave MM behind until take care of unfinished business.
Randall, I just want to say that I never felt as much a part of a team as I did on Sunday and Monday. TEAM Headstrong may be young, but it's everything a team should be. I'm sorry this year's MM was a trying experience for you, but remember that even on the side of the road begging a wheel off a new friend, you had our backs and provided support. A true domestique.
I will happily be domestique for all of you next year. Well done to all!
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