I'm writing this recap on 7/21/13 from home. It's taking me awhile to process this event. The nervousness going into the ride was very exciting. I needed every ounce of resolve to complete this epic ride. I really don't know if i want to do this again given the ideal conditions...but...one and done sounds good right now. I'm watching this youtube video of the ride to jot down somethings i can recall. Hopefully, i can use this info for future references.

* Earlier in the day, had lunch with Auntie Sion and Uncle Tony at Longhorn Barbecue in Renton. Had the steak which was okay. the conversation with uncle, auntie, cy and edwina was simply priceless. before going down, dropped off our car rental at Thrifty. We lucked out to get a Chevy Captiva...a Chevy version of a Venza. It fitted my bike perfectly. Cy was going through foot problems and had to see the Doc. They finally diagnosed her with gout and put her on Prednisone. DUH...i told her that last week. Now it has cost her from going on her Scrapbook convention in Utah. Poor Cy....

* Relaxed at home. Cy picked me up to go to Johnny's around 8PM. Had Dick's...Deluxe, Cheeseburger, Fry and a Vanila shake. At Johnny's, watched Sniper 2 on Netflex. Went to bed on the couch around 1130PM.

* Woke up at 330AM. Showered. Johnny prepares some banana pancakes. Yummy. Had some technical difficulties with bike computer. Johnny's wouldn't start. My HR couldn't get picked up. Also, my settings changed. and..my front light did not work properly. Lesson: double check all electronics before going to sleep.

* Finally rolled out around 430AM in darkness. Went down to Jackson. Right on Dearborn. Left on Airport Way S. It was very cool just me and Johnny riding down through Georgetown...which was getting ready for a festival. Reminisced Blue Max and Dad's Reno Flights our of Boeing Field. Next we went on Marginal Way that turned into Interurban Hyway. Went past Fosters Golf course...the Riverside Inn in Tukwila was no longer there. A bunch of casinos were in place. Those days at Longacres seemed so far away. Couldn't tell if there was a tailwind or not but the ride was very easy as we rolled into REI rest stop in Kent.

* Feeling pretty good as we rolled into Puyallup. Began to notice numerous bikers pulling off to the side. There was this group of 2 females and a large Samoan brother we've been following prior to one of the girls pulling off to fix a flat. At Mile 36...17th and W Pioneer...i pull off to adjust my fanny pack. That's when i noticed a tack in my front tire. Luckily, caught it then...prior...to the Puyallup Hill which was a few blocks away. A motorcycle escort told us he picked up 15 tacks on the road...evidence of the war between cyclists and drivers. On video, i believe this is where i stopped to check my fannypack/fix flat:

http://youtu.be/kyeehwunyUM?t=1h7m50s

* Went up Puyallup Hill without stopping. Was struggling and was relieved when i made it to a flattish area...but...i remember overhearing someone talking about a false summit. Johnny told me to meet him at the gas station on the right which marked the summit. I made it without stopping. Wow...i conquered the HILL!!!

* Spanaway/McKenna Highway was where we saw at least 3 crashes. Need to be careful here.

* Nice Tenino bike path. Begins in Helm.

http://youtu.be/mQFUubisHIc?t=1h35m2s

Stopped at store for water. Bought 2 bottles...but...could only use one. Johnny filled his bottles by using the water from the soda section. how ghetto.

* Tenino rest stop is dangerous. best to go right through.

http://youtu.be/ARP1djAvyqA?t=43m55s

* Made it into Centralia at 1130AM. Was greeted by cremsicles. Ate a spaghetti dinner...and...got some chocolate milk. I did not eat any Cliff bar. Perhaps that's why i was so hungry. Also, did not piss a lot. when i did, it was dark yellow.

http://youtu.be/ARP1djAvyqA?t=1h31m58s

* Mile 103.6 Napavine Hill...had to stop and walk. 104.1 Em Stella Street was where i started to pedal again. 50 RPM

*Mile 118.5 Vader Hill....stop and walk...118.6 started pedaling. Westside Highway until Castle Rock High School, best descent. Long and able to see the bottom. Very nice time here.

*Had to rest at Mile 141.7...Kelso...right before Longview Bridge

So dangerous on the descent....

http://youtu.be/K2IVq_NRy4I?t=7m16s

* Was tired and hungry. Johnny had to go in and get my supersized quarterpounder with cheese and fries and coke. Took shoes off. Laid in the shade. Felt much better.

http://youtu.be/K2IVq_NRy4I?t=1h37m28s

*Had to stop and walk up last hill at mile 185.3. thought i had one more steep hill to climb. wanted to save energy for that. the St. John's Bridge started at mile 185.5. after crossing Johnny tells me there were no more hills!!! he forget there was a new route. felt relieved...feeling pretty tired.

http://youtu.be/0gXWeVRAml4?t=43m32s

* Towards the end, Johnny tells me we only have 2 more blocks. It's already dark. I can't see too well and was still wearing sunglasses. There was a light. One group of riders went straight. The other group went left. I couldn't see Johnny. As the light was turning red, I decided to go straight. Wrong. Stopped and called. Johnny said he was at the finish. Retraced route. Followed a group of riders that went left. Got to the finish area....9:30PM. Couldn't believe how many people were still out there cheering. Andrea takes my pic. Was in a coma like trance as Edwina hugged me. Didn't finish the burger we ordered. Went to sleep real quick.

http://youtu.be/0gXWeVRAml4?t=1h2m6s

* Had breakfast and left Portland around 9AM. Had nice steak by Pong at Barb's cookout. Great food...even greater company. The achievement hasn't still sunk in...but...i am proud of this accomplishment as a 60 year old. Thank you Lord. Life is great!!!