This was one of the best days I’ve had in months! It was such a gift to be able to ride a road, without cars, and enjoy incredible scenery and quiet. I loved the moments at lookouts sharing the excitement of the beauty with fellow cyclists. And I also loved the solo moments, slowly trudging up another hill but hearing only my heavy breath, a few birds and smelling the warm forest air. The downhills were a treat, for sure. And the aid stations were unexpected, but great. At one, I filled up my water bottles. At another, I applied sunscreen (that I forgot). I used the port-o-potties. And since we were some of the last people coming in to the visitor center, the last aid station volunteers brought us incredible encouragement and laughs and an inspiring push to get us to the end. Thank you the Park Service, the Ride The Rim organizers and the great volunteers. It was something I will treasure forever.
M. Wiereng,