Convinced riding partner in good shape to ride with a companion in old man shape. Pretty frustrating to be in such terrible condition at this time of the year, but it is what it is. Anyway, rode the loop on hard tails since the last 5 miles are on pavement (trails, streets, sidewalks). Wasn't sure how this was gonna go, especially with known rock gardens starting at mile 4 followed by a pretty steep climb. In a normal year this is is of no consequence ... this year... not so much. Also struggled with poor shifting (his bike) and tubeless tire refusing to stay fully inflated til about 6.7 ... after which it decided to cooperate. But what a glorious fall day! So happy to be out on the bike and close to normal! None of the climbs are hard when your lungs work properly; I discovered the longer ones (like from 8.2 to 8.5) while less steep, required more lung than the steeper short ones. But no stopping (other than to inflate said balky tire) was required and that was a HUGE win. Recovery is happening! w/Mark