Elephant Rock 2006

When I went on the Bicycle Tour of Colorado in 2005, my daily goal was twofold: to always finish, and to not be last. A modest goal, perhaps, but it works for me. For the Elephant Rock ride, I had the same goals. And I'm proud to say, I met them both.

I rode the 65 mile (104.6 km) road course for the first time this year. It was pretty tough, actually--surprisingly hilly, and with a nasty headwind for a good piece of the ride. Plus, coming downhill at one point (about the only time on the ride the wind was actually at my back), I spun out on some loose gravel and gave myself a nice, grapefruit-sized patch of road rash. Owtch!

But I finished, and I wasn't last.