2008 Tour de Fat - Moab update

Hey guys, Just got back from my 4 day cycling event in Moab Utah and what an awesome experience. Weather conditions were challenging (to say the least) on Sunday but beautiful the other 3 days.  On Sunday, we rode 70 miles in blowing snow, mid-20 degrees along with constant winds and gusts upwards of 50mph. Probably the single hardest day of biking I've ever had. The actual ride was supposed to be only 50 miles but since my buddy and I have never been accused of being overly intelligent, we tacked on an additional 20 miles of pain.  In retrospect, not one of my brightest decisions but it was a great feeling of accomplishment once it was over and I could feel my face, fingers and toes again.  Moab is simply stunning and Arches National Park (which we rode through on Tuesday) is one of the true wonders of the world imo. If you ever get a chance to visit, by all means........ Anywho, round one of the 2008 Tour de Fat in under my belt and now it's on to the next leg which is the Elephant Rock century. All things in the 2008 Tour de Fat lead up to the ultimate challenge for me which is the dreaded "Triple Bypass" ride on July 12. All I know is I best be amping my training and take off an additional 10-15 pounds or there will be hell to pay in July.  Following is a picture from the ride and I've also added a couple more in my profile as well. Later boys, Boner

WOW that sounds like you did one hell of a job . Moab and more so Arches is stunning isent it ?      Nick

Yepper, Arches is breathtaking and I don't use that word very often. There are 3 major climbs out to the end of the road and 1 big time climb coming back but the scenery is so awesome, you don't even feel the burn.  As you're riding along, you just have to think about what it was like when the Indians roamed the land and what a spiritual place it had to be for them. The rock formations are so bizarre and trippy even if you're not high on peyote or mescaline or .......... Boner

  You are one incredible old fart!!  Thanks for the inspiration. Another old fart, Joe

Thanks, Joe. I can tell you I certainly felt like an old fart after Sunday's ride. I cracked like a frickin' walnut 3 or 4 times that day but kept on rolling. I heard only a quarter of the riders actually made it to the top of Dead Horse Canyon and back so that made me feel better. We rode the extra 20 miles before the actual ride up to Dead Horse so I'm not sure we would have done it if it was at the end.   The "meat wagon" was certainly busy that day but like I've always said, they will have to peel me off the side of the road before I get into one of those things. Sounds kind of macho I know but I've always been one to finish what I start even if it borders on craziness.   Boner

OOO yeah I forgot to tell ya that I am thinking about doing that Iowa ride .   ( ragbri ? ) I think they call it ?  I have been asked if i would like ride in it , maybe with a team ??? I dont know yet .  I have heard that it is a BIG PARTY  all the way . Sounds like fun .     Nick  

I've never ridden RAGBRAI (Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa) but it's one of my goals since I grew up in Iowa and know a bunch of people who have. I'm waiting for it to start again in SW Iowa so logistics would be easier. 

The Des Moines Register newspaper started it like 30 years ago and it's was the very first across state cycling event in the country and it's an awesome time I understand. The entire state and all the little towns really embrace the riders and I've heard it is indeed a great week-long party fest. Lance Armstrong has ridden in it the last 3 years which has helped its notoriety.

Drinkin', eatin' and ridin' with lots of friendly folks......doesn't get much better than that.  

Boner