07/31/2010 Emigration and Little Cottonwood in Salt Lake City, UT

Date: July 31, 2010 (Happy Birthday Robbie!)
Miles: 73
July Miles: 1006

MapMyRide - 07/31/2010 Emigration and Little Cottonwood in Salt Lake City, UT

Well, I made it. 1,006 miles in 31 days. Four days off for Sunday, 3 "missed" days and 24 days of riding. 24 days does not seem like a lot of days now that it is over. But this may be the longest July I have every endured. I rode for a total of 60 hours, 43,834 calories. I am the shadow of the man I used to be.... (don't know if that even makes sense, but I thought it was a cool picture).


At the summit of Emigration Canyon. Very comfortable ride (38:15, saving legs for jaunt to Alta later) On my way down the canyon I counted over 100 bikes coming up. I was tempted to turn around and ride again just to see how many I could pass, but no... off to Little Cottonwood.

Little Cottonwood Canyon is a hard climb. There is no respite. Somewhere between 6 and 12% for 10 miles. I was 90 seconds slower than my PR last hear at the Snowbird Hill climb with 50 miles in my legs on the day and 970 miles on my legs for the month. I hope to crush my PR on August 21st. If you go to the very top at Alta you climb about 4000 feet. Topping out at:

And get to see this. Awesome. I love Little Cottonwood Canyon.

Albion Basin has a fountain of life. Thanks Alta. Needed it.


High Rustler. Best powder run in the United States.


Snowbird.



So a few reflections on what I learned from my goal.
1) I don't need to watch TV ever again. Inane and mind-sucking. I even gave up on the Tour. That sound you hear is Comcast crying as they downgrade our service.
2) You need a very supportive wife to ride 1,000 miles in a month. Melissa, thanks! I love you for many reasons, none the least is that you support me and my crazy adventures.
3) I will try and make this sound kind. I never want to hear anybody tell me "they don't have time to exercise." I think I have a sound "Phooey" coming their way.
4) I don't think you can ride much more than 1,000 miles, be a husband, father, Young Mens President, work full time and play in a band. Just don't think you can.
5) My reason for this goal was to avoid a puke bomb at LOTOJA and to build strength and power in the flats and winds. I am feeling pretty good on the bike. If you see me remind me to eat and drink often.

August is for climbing. If you want to ride with me, it will probably be uphill. Hey Rob, 50,000 feet vertical in August? Let me know.

Ride on.......

07/30/2010 Work in Salt Lake City, UT

Date: July 30, 2010
Distance: 13
July Distance: 933

MapMyRide - 07/30/2010 Work in Salt Lake City, UT

Nothing too fancy here. Just to work and back. A day of good intentions. Was hoping to go longer before and after work. Yeah, that didn't happen. But, I did get a lot done. Have to make it up, grind it out tomorrow. Because, well, tomorrow is the last day of July.

Had a productive day at work and the annual Peter Breinholt concert. Which, the kids love.


We have a lot of cute girls in our circle of friends. I am afraid for the next 5-10 years. Wow.

We have a lot of cute girls in our circle of friends. I am afraid for the next 5-10 years. Wow.

Plus if you wondered if Pete has his groove on. He does. (Our Pete. It seems Mr. Breinholt always has his groove on.)

07/29/2010 Capitol/NSL Loop in Salt Lake City, UT

July 29, 2010
Distance: 34
July Distance: 920

MapMyRide - 07/29/2010 Capitol/NSL Loop in Salt Lake City, UT

Broke into the last 10% over 900 miles. I can see the finish line. A classic route with a twist at the end. Instead of heading up S. Temple or 2nd Ave I went out to 45th S. on 5th/9th east. Nice way to get a few extra miles.

After work, took the family boating. Thursday night is boat night this year for the Stringham Family. Good stuff. Anybody want to come?



Jonas may have found his boating passion. The Dunfords unearthed an old knee board. Couldn't keep Jonas off it. Was in the water for 40 mins with a smile the whole time.

No riding today. Fail.

Date: July 28, 2010
Distance: 0
July Distance: 886

Getting a little mentally weary I have to admit. Fought with myself from 5:15 til about 7:15am. Get up. Stay in bed. Get up. Stay in bed. Stay in bed won. And I took the Priests water skiing after work. Hopefully what I lack in training benefit I make up for in service benefit. Plus it is always fun to take guys who fight over who is going in the water next, even when it is crappy water. Love the enthusiasm. Stayed till it was almost pitch dark.

07/27/2010 Work/Lil Cottonwood/Home in Salt Lake City, UT

July 27, 2010
Distance: 36
July Distance: 886

MapMyRide - 07/27/2010 Work/Lil Cottonwood/Home in Salt Lake City, UT

I really like riding my bike to work. It is a great way to build miles without a) getting up very early, b) spending an additional amount of time from the family. If I go the "long way" there and home and I can get about 30-40 miles depending on the route. I couldn't do this without short hair and baby wipes. Baby wipes is what I use to "freshen up" when I get to work. It is nice that I work for a wellness company, they get what I am trying to do.

Speaking of work, here is the progress on our new office.


We have walls now. Progress is coming along quickly. Move in date set for Sept 10th. The day before LOTOJA. That will be interesting.

On the way home from work, went by Little Cottonwood and thought this was a cool sign. I am easily entertained.

07/26/2010 Work/TC/Home in Salt Lake City, UT

Date: July 26, 2010
Distance: 19
July Distance: 850

MapMyRide - A ride mapped on 07/26/2010 in Salt Lake City, UT

A nice simple recovery day today. A little less motivated becuase I know I only have 150 miles to go. I never thought 150 miles in a week would make me think "Easy." I feel pretty confident that I am going to hit 1000. Just need to "stay the course" and "focus on the fundamentals" two of my favorite post game sports quotes. Best part of today is I bumped up into a guy named "Bill" on my way to work as I was dropping down 45th South. He hooked onto my wheel and I pulled a mile or two at about 22-23 mph. He was probably early 60's. As I turned right on 900 East he yelled out to me and said "Let me take a turn," Heck why not, some one wants to block the wind for me. Can do. As he pulled past he said "You are dragging that big back pack, I can help" (When I ride to work on Mondays, I take all my work clothes, computer, lunch, etc... My bag weighs about 25 lbs) Bill pulled in front and proceeded at about 14mph. He was working hard and I thought what he did was cool. As I turned down my street to work, I said thanks he reached out and shook my hand like we had just finished a Tour stage. When I grow up I want to be that guy. It was pretty cool.

07/24/2010 Happy Pioneer Day! in Salt Lake City, UT

Date: July 24, 2010
Distance: 101
July Distance: 831
Partner: Robert Backman Marsh

MapMyRide - 07/24/2010 Happy Pioneer Day! in Salt Lake City, UT

I kind of had a feeling this was going to be a great ride and a great blog post. We will see if I can do both of them justice. So I was behind 30 miles on the quota and needed to pull a century, no problem, throw in a couple of Cat 2 climbs, a marathon, parade, hot and cold and of course some clowns a bagpipe band and you have yourself a good day. I am not making this up.

The day started at 5:30am, Rob Marsh knocking on my door (there is a song in there somewhere). We head for our favorite warm-up, Emigration Canyon knowing that the marathon will be coming down hoping to check out the action. Didn't quite make it to the top before we saw the leaders. There were 3 Kenyans, oh, about 25 minutes in front of the rest at mile 10. My thought "Run faster people of Utah!" When we got to the elbow, we started to see the rest of the field and had a great time cheering people on as we were going up and they were going down. I think the runners thought it was cool also. At 9 miles into a marathon, most runners are still pretty happy. Made it to the summit to see most of the runners and the sunrise. Very cool combination. Here is a photo:

We cheered for lots of folk and I planned a couple of photos on the way down.

Dude running in a kilt. This may not be a bad idea, less chaffing if done authentically.
Spoke to our Scottish heritage. We decided to wear kilts in LOTOJA this year. We do look good in kilts after all.



Dude running with an American Flag. Cool.
I did not take a photo of the newest running fashion. Women with the bottom 2-3 inches of the buttocks hanging out, Rob and I decided, that we knew what we were getting Melissa and Michelle for Mother's Day next year.

Eventually we got out of the canyon, cold and shivering, because it was the slowest descent of the canyon ever. It was fun and I saw my friends Laurel Alder and Julie Wray on the way up. Apparently their tradition also. Have to hook up together next year. Headed for the Capitol along 11th Ave, knowing that we were going to South Mountain, snapped this photo thinking, that is a long way to go.
Cruised through City Creek, past the Capitol, down Victory Road to 2200 West. Found out where SunRiver bill boards go to die. Funny. They cover hay.
Realized that there is still real farm land in the Salt Lake Valley.
Then headed into downtown to check out the parade. Boy Scouts, I was going to march with them, but, bike shoes not great for walking. ....
And now, as proclaimed by Rob "Photo of the Year" What is unique about this photo? A) 2 grown men dressed in Lycra standing in the middle of downtown, B) 2 grown individuals in make-up C) Rob spotted the clowns and suggested the photo, D) Have you ever seen Rob smile that much in any photo, thus making it rare E) The conversation overheard right before the photo. Rob "Can we get a photo with you?" Red head clown "Have you seen our friend, he looks like a clown." Rob "Ummmmm, no, Do you mind if we take a photo?" Green hair clown "Yes, that would be great."
Bag pipe band, ready for piping. I think they are looking for Kilt Running Man. Seems he was late.
Rob and I decided to ride right down the middle of the parade route. My FB post of this photo said "I'd like to thank everyone for coming out for our ride today." I thought that was funny. Got a hook up from the Jimmy John dude. Thanks for the free sandwiches. I was already getting pretty hungry. 50 miles in.
Always nice to know and be related to a Police Officers. Melissa and Rob's cousin David Knaub. He let us cross the line and he didn't taser us. Thanks.
This is really the best way to see the parade. Looking forward to the same ride next year. Plus lots of folks cheered for us as we rode. They were delirious from sleeping on the pavement overnight.

So this is a photo you don't see very often. Mostly because, it has never happened to me before. Hit a pot hole, knocked my bottle out, which then wedged between my crank and frame. Worst news is I put a hole in my LOTOJA trophy bottle. Bummer.
From here rode out 9th East to the end of the world, then around point of the mountain to Highland, up the back side of South Mountain, here is the view from the other direction. It is a big valley.

What a great place to live. Overall the 101 felt good, the climbs felt good also. Best news is I am now up 33 miles and only have 169 miles to 1000. Whew. Thanks for reading..... The day wrapped up with a nap, a shaved ice, some swimming, and some great food at Michelle and Rob's. Thanks!

07/23/2010 Old Mill/wasatch/shoreline/marsh/home in Salt Lake City, UT

Date: July 23, 2010
Distance: 24
July Distance: 730

MapMyRide - 07/23/2010 Old Mill/wasatch/shoreline/marsh/home in Salt Lake City, UT

Today was good. I took the day off work in observance of Pioneer Day. Seriously, I love Utah. Really, what the day turned into was, "do every chore that you have neglected for the past 4 weeks because you are either on your bike or at work or its Wednesday Day. Mowed the lawn (first time since Summer Solstice in the back, Melissa mowed it once in the front. First time in our marriage). Taught Jonas and Robbie to wash cars (and they thought they were playing video games after swimming). This is a good deal. Got the Audi, Suburban and VW clean. They did a really nice job.


Fixed the blinds, cleaned the garage, organized the workroom, helped finish and fold laundry, cleaned kitchen, water dead flower and grass extensively, played with dog, swept, cleaned girls room (Oh my!), replaced broken porch swing, affixed new license plate to VW. Appropriate, I believe.


Some of these chores are my household responsibility, some are "make-up chores" after Melissa had the "When did we turn into white trash conversation?" Simple answer. July 1st.

Anyway after a long day of work, kids wanted to go to the pool, sure, I'll meet you there. Head out about 7pm, get a text that a kid at TC has hit head on diving board, off to the Marshes. Swim. The best part of the day, we are leaving at the same time, I say "I'll race you home" Kids think this is an easy win. I beat em, fair and square. Sometimes the breakaway stays away. And yes, I gave the two arm overhead salute as I finished. The kids were amazed..... occasional power of dad.

07/22/2010 Capitol Loop in Salt Lake City, UT

Date: July 22, 2010
Distance: 22
July Distance: 706

MapMyRide - 07/22/2010 Capitol Loop in Salt Lake City, UT

Clearly the answer to get me out the door in the morning is to have the day and night packed full. Today is the promise of boating in the evening. I don't want to be the guy that says "Hey kids, no fun family time on the boat today, Dad has to go ride his bike."

Out the door, Need to be done in and hour and 15, bout 24 miles, so I shoot off for the capitol. Always a fun ride. Love the view from 11th Ave, downtown, 2nd Ave, U, home. I remember back in my pre LOTOJA life when this was a challenging ride. Now it is a easy ride day. I love getting better at stuff.

The reward for a morning ride is boating. Getting the legs in the cool water actually feels really good.

Samantha is now up and skiing unassisted. Awesome. Notice the glassy water.


Food and "chillin" are a big part of our boat life.


Amelia enjoying a pull on the tube.


Notice on this picture the failure of another goal from the beginning of the summer. I was going to try for the "no farmer tan, line tan in 2010" Decided this is impossible while riding a bike. My arms, just to my wrists and my knees only are very tan. Other wise, white. As seen below.

Next year the goal will be to surf. Lots. Worth getting up for. Anyone want to go boating with us?

07/21/2010 A trip to the office

Date: July 21, 2010
Distance: 34
July Distance: 684

MapMyRide - A ride mapped on 07/21/2010 in Salt Lake City, UT

If you are a regular reader, you know that Wednesdays are the hardest day of the week in the Stringham home. Work, seems to be always crazy, Young Mens, Grey Dogs, family commitments. It is just always nuts. So Melissa first words of the day "Get up and go ride, it's Wednesday" If our life were a movie you would hear a "dun, dun duhhhhh" in the sound track with me sitting strait up out of bed with a look of fear and concern on my face. Well, needless to say with the motivation of my sweet wife, another morning ride. She is great. Doing well this week. Trying to keep the miles up as high as possible. Only have a few miles above quota to play with. In fact, after this ride I am exactly even. With 18 ride days so far this month I have averaged exactly 38 miles a day. Starting to feel good.

On my route I stopped by our new office that finally started construction. They have the framing up. Here are a few pics.

A look down the hall way from the main entrance:

My office. Kind of looks like a jail cell in this phase:

My view. Yep, those are the Chik-Fil-A cows. Can't wait to watch the billboard dudes change them. Even better news. You can not tell from this photo, but my window aligns directly with a view up Little Cottonwood Canyon. I can see the top of the Snowbird Tram from my desk. Seriously, who thinks this is a good idea. At least I'll be able to see when it is sunny at the top!

7/20/2010 TC/and Emigration Canyon

Date: July 20, 2010
Distance: 34
July Distance: 646
Partner: Focus

MapMyRide - View Workout Details

So I didn't get up. Surprise. Seems the pattern if I ride the night before, very difficult to get up the next morning and ride. Anyway, rode with Jonas over the Swim team at the Tennis Club (hey, miles are miles, I am counting it). On the way back determined we can do better in our neighborhood with getting to swim workout. Saw Dunfords, Strongs and Stringhams all driving. We should at least car pool. Kids should all be riding over in a peleton.

Went to work, had all day to think about my ride after feeling strong in my personal time trial yesterday I think it is time to do a fitness test: Emigration Canyon. Off I go. Wait, legs a little tired, take some time to get a good warm-up. Then at the the base of canyon, very little wind, good day to go for a time. Into the canyon and I can feel the air temp drop a good 10 degrees. Feel very steady. My first "time check" is Cromptons (it will always be Cromptons to me). 20:10 - 2 minutes faster than last time. Good. Elbow: 25:15, still two minutes up, feel pretty good, time to hammer the last 1.5 miles, which is steep. Time at base of last turn: 32:10, my goal time for the summit this year. Top out at 34:36, 2.5 minutes faster than last week. 2.5 minutes to go. Always a good ride.

7/19/2010 am and pm time trial negative split in Salt Lake City, UT

Date: July 19, 2010
Distance: 43
July Distance: 616
Partner: Pain

MapMyRide - 7/19/2010 am and pm time trial negative split in Salt Lake City, UT

My goal Sunday night was to get up at 5am, get ready to ride out the door by 5:20, ride 40 miles home by 7:45am. Ummm..... Slept til 6:30, Melissa pats my back, "Get up, go ride" "OK." Think I hit snooze 17 times. First few were, "It's too dark" etc, etc. Later it was "Man, this feels way too good." Anyway out the door at 6:45, decide to gun for 20 miles make 21.5 in 1:12. Feel pretty good, except I am short, oh, 20 miles. Going to be a two a day. Go to work, yadda, yadda. Home from work at 5:15, no kids, no wife, no note, no phone answer, no text answer, clearly an invitation to get my next 20 miles in. So I think to myself, OK same route, but faster, a negative split, this time I have wind and heat to deal with. But I feel good, so I put on my "cycling face" as Samantha says and I go into time trial mode. Really it is 2 - 20 mile intervals with some hill repeats. Actually, a really good workout both in the am and the pm. And I went 2 mins faster in the afternoon. I'll take it. Home in time for FHE, Dinner, Typhoon at the Surf Shack and grocery shopping. A good day. Emigration Canyon tomorrow. I hope. If I get up.

07/17/2010 Big Mtn/North Salt Lake/ Downtown/Midvalley in Salt Lake City, UT

Date: July 17, 2010
Distance: 70
July Distance: 571
Partner: Melissa and the Heat. (Cool band name)

MapMyRide - 07/17/2010 Big Mtn/North Salt Lake/ Downtown/Midvalley in Salt Lake City, UT

As mentioned, had a long week plus Fathers and Sons to top it off. The tradition at Fathers and Sons is to gorge yourself and the best cheeseburgers ever. Chad, thanks for taking the extra burger challenge with me. Dinner is topped off by all the doughnuts you could eat (Katie, I thought of you). Then sleep on the ground, awake and have huge omelets. Great pre-long ride prep. Jonas and I got home about 9:30am. The thing I dislike most about cycling is how much time it takes to get stuff ready to ride. Helmet - check, gloves-check, food - check, water - check, You think "Shawn, keep all this stuff together. I say "you don't have this to contend with"

That crazed look in Peter's eye is I must move everything in the house at least once every day. I digress. Sometimes it takes us a while to get out of the house, especially when Melissa and I try to go together. Finally get out of the house at about 10:45. Last words spoken: "No messes" This doesn't work.

Melissa and I head out for Emigration Canyon. Actually feeling pretty good. It is amazing what a "rest week" (this is how I have rationalized my two missed days) will do for you. I feel pretty good. We take it slow on the bottom 1/2 of the canyon and the second half I fire it up. Total time was 36:11, two minutes faster than last week, with a pretty slow start. I feel good about that. Still have 4 overall minutes to drop to be in peak form. At the top, Melissa decided to head back down and I split to hit Big mountain. This is turning into one of my favorite rides. I love the feeling of accomplishment when you crest Big Mtn and you can see the valley very far away and very low down. Made it to the county line.


I was swooped by several packs of motorcycles. I was tempted when I got to the top to push these over domino style. (Ya know like in the movies) thought better.


Now time to descend. Fun part. Melissa hates this part and hates knowing that I hit 48mph coming down. So don't tell her.

By the time I make it back to the valley it is pretty hot. I realize that this needs to become the "tour of the water fountain" quickly. Cruise through the U over to 11th Ave and to City Creek Canyon. Water fountain 1:

Pound one full bottle. Two bottles over the head. That feels really good to rinse off my salt encrusted face.

Out to beautiful NSL. That is the cool thing about long rides, you get to see a variety of terrain. RV's and an oil refinery.


Off to downtown. Imagine photo of the temple here. Actually made all the lights so didn't stop in traffic to take a photo. Made my way to one of my favorite downtown location. The Artesian Well Park. Best water in the valley. Seriously. On the corner of 500 S and 800 E. Two more bottles chugged, two over the head, and it is cold. Plus, the homeless people called me Lance. They were also fascinated how my shoes clipped into my pedals. They came over to check it out. Pretty funny.

Rode out to 5600 S and looped back home. By the time I got home it was:

Hot. But very little wind. I'll take it. 8 bottles of water for the day. A good sign, when you come home from a ride and need a "natural break" plus two along the way. Hydration makes the difference. Best part of the day. Hose shower:


I'll let you wonder if I am wearing anything at all. Back above quota by 3 miles. This week is looking better for some miles.

Peace, thanks for reading if you made it this far.

7/16/2010 - Once you've done it, its easy to do again.

Date: July 16, 2010
Distance: 0
July Distance: 501 - still.

Stupid responsibilities. Don't you know that I am trying to get to 1000 miles. This means nothing else gets done. Lawn mowing - no! House cleaning - No! only tired legs and over training crankiness. When I am expected to be at work early and do my job I say "Sheesh!"Rant over. I had the opportunity to visit beautiful Mt. Pleasant and Genola, Utah. They are kind of far away and the meetings were dreadfully long. And, the problem with exercise. Once you have missed once. It is so easy to miss again. Back on track. And now off to Fathers and Sons. No Friday evening ride. No Saturday morning ride. Now below quota 31 miles.

07/15/2010 Old Mill/Wasatch/foothill in Salt Lake City, UT

Date: 7/15/2010
Distance:20
July Distance: 501 - Half way

MapMyRide - 07/15/2010 Old Mill/Wasatch/foothill in Salt Lake City, UT

Another busy day. Another short ride starting at 8pm. But, I wasn't going to miss 2 days in a row. I was happy to break the 50% complete barrier. I am still 7 miles over my planned quota to make it to 1000. So I take off at 8pm need to get some miles quick. Already watching sunset come earlier. Sunset around 9:10. At the first of the month I had til about 9:25. Here comes ski season! (I digress). Run through the Old mill loop/Wasatch/parleys crossing/come off onto Foothill getting dark I think to myself "I am just going to blow down Foothill instead of taking the prudent course on Shoreline. The traffic is light and the wide open boulevard with a gentle downhill is inviting" OK. So I go. No more than 300 yards pass the turn I should have taken, the dreaded "Pwheeeeeeshhhhhhh " coming from my back tire. Flat. No support car to jump out, trade tires, and push me along. and it is close to dark. Sweet. Massive staples will give you a flat each time. The perpetrator.



This is one of the best inventions ever.



Compressed gas. Love it. Every time I change a flat on the road I think of Clark Burbidge and SNOWTOJA. Coming up on him sad and deflated, offering a gas canister and filling his tire. The yelp of joy was burned into my soul. It really is cool. I finished in the dark. Not all bad.

7/14 - The day the streak ended.

Date: 7/14/2010
Mileage: 0 -Zero, zip, nilch, nada.
July Mileage: 481
Partner: Disappointment

So Wednesdays tend to be my arch enemy. My work day started at 6:15am with a health assessment. Followed by meetings all day, in Honeyville, Utah, 90 miles away, followed by Young Mens, followed by the Grey Dogs ending at 10pm. Most Wednesdays are like this. Really. In my job I hear a lot of "I don't have time to exercise" which in my mind is an excuse. We all make choices. Anyway, today was my day. I was a little pissed at myself. When I started this journey I was glad I "banked" some miles early. Here is a withdrawal.

7/13/2010 am and pm in Salt Lake City, UT

Date: 7/13/2010
Distance: 45
July Distance: 481

MapMyRide - 7/13/2010 am and pm in Salt Lake City, UT

The "two-a-day" is a good way to get some miles. Woke up, little late. Melissa and I are struggling with the morning workout lately. The Stringham World is a little off kilter in that our kids are staying up a little past their bed time and we have stayed up later just for the silence. Anyway, after a late awakening, rode a quick Old Mill Loop. I talked Melissa to go out with me in the evening for a ride down Wasatch out to 123rd and then back in. Hooked up with Danny, wonder kid, and he rode with us also. Danny, you are getting much better. We had a tail wind from 123rd in. It was awesome. Another great sunset.

7/12/2010 39th, Wasatch/Creek/13th home in Salt Lake City, UT

Date: 7/12/2010
Distance: 20
July Distance: 436
Partners: None

MapMyRide - 7/12/2010 39th, Wasatch/Creek/13th home in Salt Lake City, UT

Clearly had some fatigue from my big mile week last week. Didn't get up in the morning as planned. Never a good way to start out the week. Especially knowing that work is going to be crazy all week. Have to travel all over that state. Never taken this route. Creek Road going "down" is fun. 12% grade and a great sunset. Sorry no photos.

07/10/2010 Big Cottonwood/home/Emigration

Date: 7/10/2010
Location: Canyons, Baby
Distance: 73
July Distance: 416

MapMyRide - 07/10/2010 Big Cottonwood/home/Emigration in Salt Lake City, UT

So this ride looks more impressive than I rode it. I rode it in two parts. Part A: Porcupine Hill Climb (Big Cottonwood Canyon) with Rob and Part B: Evening Date night ride up Emigration with Melissa.

Part A: Porcupine Hill Climb. Woke up after 10 hours of sleeping. (On the Tour coverage they keep talking about how important recovery is. I don't think the tour riders have a family of 7 and a full time job to support.) I got up at 6:20, you can do the math of when I went to bed. Got ready, begged a ride up 39th from Melissa so I could meet Rob on time at 7am. Didn't want to be late again, since he left me last time I was 3 mins late. No Excuses, just saying, seriously? Met Rob at 7, right on time, had our regular early ride "You, poop?" conversation. Mutual success. Rob doubled. Lucky. Find out he has been up, done some laundry, fixed breakfast, pooped twice, lubed and cleaned his bike. Anyway, you get the idea. We make it to the base of the canyon in plenty of time. Michelle is on her long run and snaps a pre-race photo. (Thanks)


Two fine cycling specimens. The start goes, off, feel pretty tired, legs heavy but continue to warm-up. Rob drops me. No problem. Part of the strategy, let him go, catch him on the steep, hang on for the mid canyon Flat, put more time in him on the steep. Hang on for a win, seeing that he edged me by a half a wheel on Big Mountain last week. Plan went along well, caught him on the "S" turn, put some time in him, then he caught me on the flat and I didn't see him again. Beat me by 3 minutes. Great ride Rob. Best I have ever seen him ride. Held on for a finish, didn't blow up, had a great time, got a t-shirt and got to see one of my favorite views:
I finished a way back in the race, but, I was 5th in line for breakfast. That is a sign of priorities. Cruised home to catch Maren D. get baptized. Great morning.

Part B: Emigration date night with Melissa. After eating lunch, sitting in my basement for the afternoon catching up on tour stages. 3, I think, went out for a date night ride. Thought it was going to be a long night when on the lead-in the canyon, Melissa drops me like her old boyfriends.


If you look up ahead in this photo you can see Melissa. This sign is an important Shawn Cycling Landmark. The starting point of the Emigration Canyon Time Split. Only hope exists at this sign.

Honestly, I've been seeing a lot more Marsh Tail than I prefer to the last 10 days. OK, repeat to self "Its a recovery ride, you have ridden 400 miles in 10 days, these miles will pay off in September" Yeah, whatever, "Your wife just dropped you." (Melissa: I love you, baby! Please don't take this the wrong way). Pissed. She keeps putting time in on me. Finally, after 10 days and 400 miles, I feel good. My legs tune in and I have power to give. I crush the last 2 miles of the canyon, averaging 12mph after the "elbow", catch her and finish. By the way, she had a great ride also. Best part get to see the sunset with Melissa at the top of the canyon.



Best date night activity. I would highly recommend it. Cruise home, end with 73 miles on the day and the knowledge that I am going to have a Vanilla Frosty. They give me power. We will see what the week holds. Very busy at work and the Tour is in the Alps. I am up 74 miles over my quota to finish the 1000 by the end of July.

Ride on.....