2008--300 Warriors charity ride account.
My approach and viewpoint of the 300 Warrior's charity ride was I'm sure different to most other riders, I actually ended up riding for fun.
It didn't begin that way, I was pushing it up the hills towards Kamas and past Francis along with all the other Brumbii but just before the descent towards Midway I noticed something, I wasn't having much fun and I was missing the scenery. I distinctly remember looking over and seeing a beautiful home next to a river and trees and thinking "I'm done with the grind" I couldn't remember any of the scenery we had passed and I just wanted to enjoy it more than I was. I went through the same thing at LOTOJA two years ago and I loved relaxing then as well. So, off the back, and over to the side of the road I went to change out of some clothes.
After changing, I started off and along comes Bryce Cook, Todd Taylor, and Todd's friend/neighbor. It seems they had taken a wrong turn and were delayed 10 to 15 minutes or so. Bryce looked awful, kinda like the guy in "Escape from Alcatraz" who waited too long to commit to go and couldn't get up through the vent hole in the ceiling by himself to escape.
I jumped into their effort to get back in it and did what I could to help. I think we worked pretty well down past the 40 and through Midway to the reservoir. I like to think we prevented any loss of ground to the leaders. Bryce told me he caught Joe Susco and Travis Walden (among others) at around mile 75-80, that must've been a HUGE effort. Doesn't matter how he finished, that run-down was a testament to Bryce's biking strength and gritty determination.
Didn't really know who Todd Taylor was, still don't know him well, but we rode along for much of the Alpine Loop and down to the base of Suncrest (that's funny, "the base" like it's in Nepal). I can't even recall too much about Todd, but I remember I liked riding with him and that he seemed like decent fellow, I was glad to meet him. They pulled off at the start of Suncrest and then passed me later further up never to be seen by me again. It was here that Lori Tucker and Dave Funk's sister Julie (and kids) pulled over and thoughtfully gave me a Gatorade from her VW Thing.
Alright, back to me. After Todd pulled off I just rode alone, not getting much out of the experience. I thought I'd rather be riding with friends and maybe I could help someone along. I remembered that I had passed the Thomas's going down American Canyon and thought it would nice to ride with my good friends again. So, I waited a while higher up on Suncrest for them and jumped in with them after a tearful reunion. We ended up staying together to the finish.
I enjoyed going down the backside of Suncrest, I love big gravity-assisted speed. Got down to the bottom and waited again for the Thomas's. Kim is, how shall I put this?--a cautious rider when descending. She does well though on a descent like Suncrest that has less curves, so I didn't have to wait too long.
We continued to work together, and I believe we were having a great time until we hit the climb up to Snowbird. From what I hear, most riders had some type of difficulty with this last climb and we were no different. Barry started dealing with some cramping issues, and Kim was having to dig way down deep to her core. We worked well together and through all the adversity came through to the finish amid the cheers of strangers and friends. No need for specifics here, It was just great to see Kim finish after all I saw her go through, her effort that day was no less impressive than Bryce's.
A little snack at the finish, watched the Pro's finish their stage, and back to Park City we went. Kyle and I missed the Brumby dinner that night, but absolutely stuffed ourselves at Bajio's.
I debated whether or not to fly home, or drive home with the Thomas's, Bub Matthews, and Dave Funk. I chose the latter and was glad I did, not only did I save $200, but I got to travel with some good friends and great conversation.
Jim Auwen
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