Not sure how I bounced back, but yah boy rode well today. I couldn’t decide if today’s ride was a Top 10, Top 7, or Top 5 all timer.

The first nine miles rose 2,000′ topping out above 5,800′ above sea level. Moderate morning temps, lots of trees so hella shade, and buttery tarmac. What more could one ask for . . . oh, good company.

Half way up, Skip rode up on me. We talked. About real shit. For 700′. Instead of staring at my head unit, I was engrossed in the convo. All of sudden, the bulk of the climb was done. Thanks Skip.

Cycling is like life. It’s easier, or less difficult, or more enjoyable, take your pick, with others’ help. If we were seeding the 11 crazies, I’d be the 5 seed. That means it’s very easy to get stuck in no man’s land between the top 4 and bottom 6. Three of the top four are from Michigan, so I refer to them as either Team Michigan or the Michiganders. Since they stopped at the top of the opening 9 miler to take pics and chill, they were happy to have me join them for the run in to lunch at mile 31. I had to work, but not so hard that I’d blow up later.

Team Michigan, Aimee, Dean, and Lucas, are so strong. Lucas is a twenty-something fourth year Electrical Engineering PhD candidate at Berkeley who I have really enjoyed getting to know. Yes, you’re right, the ulterior motive is that his big brain might somehow have positive effects on my peabrain. Aimee is his mom and she’s a phenom. Dean is Aimee’s bf and he couldn’t be stronger, nicer, and fun to hang with.

After an early lunch with Team Michigan, I started the second half with Marky Mark and Chucky Chuck. Right after lunch, one of the most fun descents of all time. Again, buttery tarmac, no traffic, sweeping turns, six-seven miles of goodness. Had a great time with them all the way to mile 50 where I lost them on the ninth and final climb of the day. You won’t find better dudes, so I wanted to wait. I said to myself, “Self, stop at the next shade.” Desert plus midday sun meant ZERO shade, so I time-trialed in the last 45 minutes or so.

Unbelievably beautiful route. Great company. Fo sho ride of the week I presume. Blessed.

Tomorrow, flat, hot run in to Palm Springs. Pray I don’t ignite.

My greatest accomplishment today might be getting this to upload on really janky internet.