Who is riding ULCER?
 

I know Archaea, RC Vikings, Q and myself, but who else?

The Borg, maybe Goose, definitely almighty Creekster, maybe Big Piney, a few others as well. I've got two nonposters coming.

I hope those non posters are Zabriskie and Leipheimer because we are going to need some strong legs to average 22.5 mph.

I'll be there. If you think I'm going to help you average 22.5 mph....I think you've got the wrong impression of my cycling abilities!!!

Just finished the MS 150 and averaged 17.5 mph overall. We did finish stronger than I thought though, coming in the last leg around 19-20.

I can hang for a while at that pace...but not for the whole enchilada.

Don't worry we're just going to jump on the Archaea Train.

Well I'm bringing as 27 year old mountain goat and a 17 year old future star.

Hmmm....my "star" days have long since passed. My cosmic comparison would be just slightly passed a "white dwarf" and in a head on collision to becoming a full out "black hole".

I'm merely cosmic dust, a never was and a never will be. But I like going along for the ride. If it's not in us, we can just have fun.

When will this ridicule end? I feel like Archaea is setting me up to be Act three, scene one, comic relief. The only thing almighty about me as a rider is the tremendous workout I give my saddle and pedals. I iwll not be part of any group that manages to average 22.5. I went out on a nice little 40 miler on saturday with my wife on the tandem. Not much climbing. Mostly flat. We averaged about 16 mph (this is total elapsed, not on/off as the tandem computer isn't auto on/off). Not bad, really, but not 22.5 over a century either.

Here is how the ride will work: Arch and his ringers, along with RC, will set the pace for about 25-30 miles. Having gone out too hard and too fast they will be burned out and realize there are no women in the group to impress so they will start to fade. Fortunately, Q will pull the train at around 30 for the rest of the ride.

Where will I be? I will be riding as Cougarguard sweeper, picking up any stragglers, chatting up the young ladies at the rest stops, enjoying the sunshine and fresh air, and regaling the lanterne rouge group with tales of conquests past. I'm OK with this. Besides, by comparison, everyone esle will look and feel like Eddy Merckx, so I am providing service on top of it all.

Well said Creek. Not that I wouldn't want to average 22.5mph...I just can't average that high.

On a side note, I was extended an invitation to ride in another century ride about the same time in August: The Sawtooth Century.

It's in Sun Valley Idaho, goes up and over Galena Summit (8000 ft) and in to Redfish Lake. Now...having been raised in Idaho, this is about as scenic country as you can imagine.

So...let's see.... dry, brown, smelly Utah lake on one hand, beautiful, green mountains, meadows and picturesque lakes on the other hand.....what to do...what to do?

Ding! We have a winner! I am Idaho bound. Can't wait.

Sorry Cougarguard Studs...looks like I'll miss the Ulcer three years running.