Last Weekend I went down to Valdez. I have to say this was the longest that it has ever taken me to get there, but it was probably the most fun. Starting on Friday night Rachel and I went to Palmer to stay at Christina’s house. After dinner and a race strategy session, we hit the hay early (before 11 for me). The next morning we got up at 4:30 and was out the door at 4:45 on our way to Sheep Mountain Lodge about 75 miles from Palmer.
We met up with the rest of the crew from our office at the Lodge. They were on two different bike relay teams. Christina and her neighbor, Nan, along with me as their driver and they were known as team petal rockers. The other team vicious cycle was Michael and Laura Jungreis, Jim, Rachael and Bob Mahoney as the driver. Both teams got started at 6:30 in the morning.
It was a little gloomy and rainy when Rachel and Christina started out the race. It cleared up pretty quick though. Things were going well, when on the second leg of the race for Christina she had two flats. Nan and I eventually figured it out and she took over for Christina and we were back in the race. I thought I would have a lot of time to read my 6 magazines and my book. I even had DVD’s to watch. But boy was I wrong. I wasn’t even riding and my adrenaline was pumping. I would pick up one rider and drop off the other, and then we would take off to the next planned change out point. Along the way we would sometimes cross over with our other team before we took off again. I ended up barely getting through one Catalog by the time we crossed the finish 13 hours later. Soon the weather cleared, the sun came out and I quickly changed clothes to try to get some of the much need sunshine.
Before you knew it we were three fourths the way going through Thompson pass and I was changing back into my jean and sweatshirt again. It was cold and there was snow all around us on the mountain pass. Nan was the one who did the four mile ascent, and then went downhill for the next 12 miles. She also went through Keystone canyon. Which if you ever come to Alaska, I recommend you see on your way to one of my favorite places- Valdez.
Anyway back to the race. Christina and Nan finished in 13 hours and took8th place in their division and Team Vicious Cycle finished in 13 hours and 45 minutes. I was really proud of them all, as they did an awesome job. I had so much fun and was really glad I went.
Rachel Crossing the Finish Line!!
Rachel and I in front of Horsetail falls.
Rachel & Christina in front of Horsetail Falls.
Christina getting ready to take off in front of Worthington Glacier.
Christina and Nan changing off in front of Worthington Glacier. 
Nan starting the descent from the Top of Thompson Pass. She reached 35 miles per hour going downhill. 
Christina and me in front of Bridal Falls.
Christina and Nan crossing the Finish line.
Viscious Cycle.
Petal Rockers.
Christina starting the race out.
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