| Hi, Sunrisers and GCC folks, My heart attack, 100 % blockage of ~3/4 of the circumflex artery, around on the back left side of my heart was 20 June. Kinda screwed up my summer training for 3 months. I did get some mileage in, but going fast was out. I had about a month of time off the HR & BP depressing meds in which to prepare and try to add a bit of speed for doing the 55 mile route of the SFC. Bottom line...I went out with the leaders in 3rd position...but when the flat ground speeds hit 28 mph, I pulled out and let myself drift back at 24-23-22-21 mph till I picked up a nice group going 22-23 mph. At CR 1493, most of them turned left...Matt, Gary, Scott, and a nice guy in a Discovery jersey all came with me. We all traded off pulling but by far Scott, Matt, and Gary were the bulls that pulled the two of us in at 20.7 mph average. My goal was 20 mph...but with their help I smashed that wide open. The last few miles I felt the sweet pain I was looking for, when your muscles are ready to cramp, you are at your limit, and the only thing keeping you going is your mind and just maintaining a smooth spin. I'm sorry I was not ready for the full century. In my recovery, different people at different times contributed pulls, contributed some spare bucks for an Astana jersey...which I wore today with the thought constant in my mind of the people who put it on my back...contributed words and thoughts of encouragement. I really can never thank you enough. I kinda swept away right now, high on caffeine and gels, so I just want you all who have helped me in various ways to know I'm proud to be part of this special group of road warriors. Yea, and all of you are already part of the stories I tell to friends and family...when I get older...to the point where I cannot ride...you will still be in my stories...but the stories will be real whoppers by then. Meanwhile, I plan to kinda hibernate a bit over winter and settle for some long endurances rides, then emerge in the spring to be ready for the R2R. C U on the road...or tomorrow morning at the start of the HFH...Bob Howland |
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