Courage Classic, Day 1

Had a good ride today, the first day of the Courage Classic. Vail Pass was a fucking gutbuster as expected, seven straight miles of basically continuous uphill, but it didn't rain as predicted, so that's something.

Staying vegan is making my food boring: oatmeal for breakfast, PB&J and potato chips for lunch, and more bananas than you can shake a banana at.

I took a few fun pictures, but all with my camera, not my phone, so nothing to post right now. I was hoping for a sign that said Vail Pass, but was spurned.

Only cried twice, and got choked up about a dozen other times. The volunteers are amazing, especially at welcoming riders into rest stops, and the reception is pretty moving.

I got a great high five from a six or seven year old girl sticking her hand out through the gates just before I rode through today's finish line, then watched as many others riders rode by her outstretched hand, oblivious or ignoring it. It made me sad, but she still seemed to be having a great time.