First of all i would like to extend a great big hug to Eric, Erinna, and all of the other volunteers that help put this thing on. You guys rock. I can't say enough about all of the other entrants as well, a better group of folks would not be easily found. This was by far one of the best experiences I've had on or off a bicycle, and i don't want to speak for Jon but I'm pretty sure he feels the same. I can't begin to sum up all of this weekend's happenings in a few short words, so a more lengthy report will be coming down the pipes pretty soon. However, the images and memories of this weekend are more perfect, rich, and beautiful than i will ever be able to portray in words. So fortunately for any of you who weren't there, you'll just have to join us next year. Or at least hop off the couch for PMBAR.
a few of the top moments.
*The entire first stage. riding through the night was an amazing surreal experience. Farlow to Summey is something i would never lay out on my own, but i'm glad Eric's as twisted as he is! Well played sir. Butter Gap at 4am was covered in frost and looked like a gigantic ice forest. Beautiful.
*Watching the sunrise as we rode around Looking Glass Rock
*Club Gap>Black Mountain>Buckhorn Gap>South Mills>Squirrel>Horse Cove>Cantrell flowed so well on saturday morning. Till I stacked on the ice/rock garden on cantrell!
*The blue ridge parkway Sunday morning was beautiful. I'm glad we slept and were able to appreciate this section in the day light. When we got to bent creek and looked back at how far away looking glass was, the enormity of an event like this really set in.
*Meeting my cousin for the first time at the campfire friday night. Hope to see you at PMBAR Leanne!
*Jon and i we're discussing how much the people had to have suffered riding the parkway in the middle of the night(It took some people over 10 hours at night to finish this stage!). Especially alone. We couldn't wrap our brains around spending that much time alone with one's thoughts. Jon looked at me and said "S**t man i don't really even like myself that much. I mean don't get me wrong, i don't like you much more either, but at least it gives me someplace to spread the hate around". I almost fell off my bike.
*our crew cheif Mickey. Thanks for all of your enthusiasm and help, seeing you with that cowbell on cove creek was one of my favorite moments in any event. Props.
The finish of this "event" was one that i will not soon forget. Blasting down cove creek to beat the time cut-off with mickey chasing me down, screaming and ringing that cowbell was perfect. Then hearing Jon hoopin' and hollerin' before blasting out of the woods to beat the clock was as good an ending as we could have asked for. Once again thanks Eric, for always pushing us harder than we would ever choose to push ourselves.
P.S. my name is spelled shawn. Between this site and our local forum my name has been spelled differently almost every time i have seen it. Which has been pretty damn funny.
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