The next day Z and I put in a bunch of road miles looking for things for Rusty who was about to be released from the hospital. Later that day we met at Criterium bike shop where Jon works for that days ride back up at Palmer Park. Colorado Springs is a pretty cool place that seems to be a hub for traveling bikers. That days ride ended up being about 12 to 15 riders including two guys, Maurice and ? from Dirt Rag on their way to Interbike and a bunch of locals and a dude from California doing what I was doing only the other way. But I chose the Ellsworth and all it's lovely 24 gears for this ride and I made sure Z hadn't eaten enough. It was a whole different ride and after some dude on a Spot led up the initial climbs me, Z and Jonnie were dicing it out for the lead with one of the locals. Always the one to keep things lighthearted I was playing with Jonnie by telling him to pass and then cutting him off. Apparently I was enjoying this more than he was because he eventually had enough and cut a corner just to T- bone me. Jeeze, I mean let's get serious why don't we? Later in the ride I was having fun with Z by just sitting on his wheel and telling him how good he was riding which would almost always make him make a mistake. Oh, I do love the group ride thing! Is Nick the only perverted bastard that likes that sort of thing-I know I hate it when he does it to me, but I thought it was just me. Anyway, after the ride we're down in the parking lot swapping lies and I noticed that Maurice was eyeing my van in a rather lustful manner. If it's ever stolen I think he's the first one I'll suspect.

RIDDLE ME THIS: WHAT ARE THOSE FUZZY BLUE THINGS?

Nick Riddle is my friend. I think. He seems like such a nice guy. He's not. He's always seems to be in such a good mood. He's plotting. I'm beginning to think he's evil. I knew he was pissed about us coming out there and had been waiting for revenge.

Wednesday, the last chance for a ride this trip. What a long strange trip it's been. (thanks, Jerry) Lots happened and there was much suffering. Rusty may argue this but I feel like the worst thing that had happened so far was me missing the epic downhill. I mean bones heal, get over it. But missing a ride? Endless downhill? Anyone who knows me knows how much I love going down a hill, any hill. But a 14 mile, swoopy-thru-the-pines, 3000' vert drop complete with big jumps and bigger drops? Oh, the humanity!

But Nick, oh my friend Nick, he's going to get me on that downhill yet! He's been working on a plan all week for his good buddy, Fuz. Now he lays it all out for me-I can hardly wait. First, he sez, we just climb up to the top of that old mountain and then ride down, lickety split. Uh, what? Ummm, I'm sorry but it sounded like you said, uh, climb up? 30 mile climb from 6000' to 10500'. Even Z knew this sucked and he loves to climb. Of course not, Nick sez. We can drive the van up most of the way. Most of the way to Nick meant we only had a 22-mile climb from 7000 to 10500'. Thanks a pantload, Nick old buddy.

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