TransPortugal Day 1

Maybe a bit brief... Kate was 4th, probably because she's made out of 50% Norwegian and 50% awesome. She also got bit by a dog and needed deep stitches, wrapping, and maybe shots. Too bad she didn't have the hot dog stick to poke it. Thor threw a lighting bolt at her that came really, really close. She's happy though.

Craig was probably top 10. Seems to have had a good day.

I saw Jon out there, which is often a good sign. However, it's more a sign that he rode fast, bonked, searched for food in a town, and let me catch up.

I rode a lot with Tom Letsinger.

I have a great bike which performed solidly all day. And I have a mind that was set on finishing, and using a bit of IQ, to try to get an overweight, under trained body. Ugh.

You know those days when you set off across unbelievably beautiful country side, at your own pace, with the smell of spring flowers in the air, fluffy clouds ever changing, beautiful farmland, and it's putting a smile on your face all day and life just feel one hundred percent right? That was today. Heavenly, no wonder I love bikes and this country!

Then as we roll towards purple thunderclouds, it let's loose, and it's time to wash away the pieces of angst you're carrying inside. So refreshing, so reinvigorating.

All in I was out for about 8h, came in a few minutes after Jon. Let's just say it's been a while since I've been on a bike 8h in a weekend, let alone a day (here in '09 Perhaps? Or XC8?). Antonio makes it a test. This is not an easy event.