Here are my 10 lessons from 9 days bike riding in Tucson:
10. Never be surprised what you run into in the desert. This dude was walking with Jesus cross from El Paso to San Diego because god told him to. I asked he give the camera a "Don Cherry" so that's what we did.
9. Know where the house is located before going riding, could lead to some serious oh-sh** moments when crashing behind your team so they don't know where the hell you are! In this example, when crashing then triaging your elbow realizing you don't know where the house is became a very big problem. Thankfully Sue stopped by and we rode the hour home then promptly to St. Mary's hospital. BTW: The crash happened before cross bearer and I met, but surely they are related in that, no bones broken and able to keep riding for rest of week!
8. Thank the Dr's (Dr. Madsen) and nurses (Irish Andrea). This is after stitches and ready to ride next day!
7. Take time to soak in the views after a hard climb. Here is Nigel and Andrew atop Mandera Canyon. A super tough climb I completely under estimated (read: got severely dropped!)
6. Mt. Lemmon intervals on last day of real riding after 8 days of team riding is EPIC STUFF! No photo here, 8*6min at threshold made that NOT POSSIBLE!
5. Fat Tire Amber Ale is nectar of gods, and I have Welsh AND Canadian blood...I know my beer!
4. A good bottle of California Cabernet in Canada is $30; same in Tucson is $17. Love the Safeway card, it is your friend even if it is BS marketing
3. Your team mates always take care of you
2. Do not underestimate what you are capable of ever.
1. ALWAYS BRING YOUR WIFE TO VIEWS LIKE THIS. Tucson sunset is paradise.
Tucson camps always rock, till next year - keep rubber side down in the Shootout rides!
thanks for reading!
