[b:9ed9560f1c]First the thank you's:[/b:9ed9560f1c]

A big thank you to Helen! I simply would not want to do this ride without your support and keen eye on the camera.

Thank you to Dan & Mark for supplying the transportation.

Thank you to Brian for organizing the ride.

Thank you for a great group of people to spend the day with.

Thank you to D's Doghouse & Tavern in Grandville, VT for an enlightened bathroom at a key moment.

[b:9ed9560f1c]The Report:[/b:9ed9560f1c]

After 3 years of completing all 4 Gaps I can say without hesitation that for me the climbs are extremely difficult and even torturous at times. Perhaps what keeps me coming back for more punishment is the satisfaction I get from knowing I reached the top, the knowledge that on the other side is an equally long downhill, the comradery and encouragement of friends, or maybe it's just a mental defect. Whatever the reason, no matter how badly I feel during, in retrospect I'm always happy I did it. Perhaps it's pushing myself to the brink that makes all the good things in life that much sweeter.

The Highlights:
- Good Friends
- Good Weather
- The downhill paved runout to Rt 17 after Lincoln Gap
- The App Gap Descent
- Pushing Hard on Rt 100 heading to lunch
- A great spot to have lunch
- Middlebury Gap Descent and passing a car at high speed
- Summitting Brandon Gap and knowing it's an easy descent to the finish.
- Descending Brandon Gap alone taking my time and enjoying the low sun angle playing off the beautiful mountain landscape.
- Completing the ride one more time.

Ryan

What a great day for a big ride. Every time we plan to do this ride I wonder if I'll be able to do Lincoln it's such a long steep climb. I find the pre-ride contemplation more stressful than the actual climb itself. Then there are the endless other climbs each with their own personality pulling you into the pavement and hanging on with each pedal stroke being harder. It is a head game and a physical game that has few comparisons. The six of us worked well together each doing their share of the pulls, pacing and mental support. Having a friend to lean on during these efforts is a big help. I love having the support vehicle carrying the food and supplies, all you have to do is ride. Today the legs feel fine but the head says tired. Thanks to all for an enjoyable and memorable day.
Dan

Sounds like it was a great time. Wish I could have been there, but I had a Birthday party for my son.

Who is planning on Sir-Climbs-A-Lot for the 7th?

-- Ken
 
"If you brake, you don't win." Racer Mario Cipollini

Thanks guys for another great time. I had a blast with great weather, scenery, photo ops, and certainly you all. I missed those of you that could not join us on this trip. Next time.

I think this may be the best group of photos yet. Difficult to choose which ones to post. I selected a mere 54% of them to post and that gives you all 221 to choose from! Download what you like. You were all so photogenic. Be sure to download the original size if you plan to print them. I may put that tree in Rochester Park on canvas.

Highlights for me:
That morning mist.
Lincoln Gap - always.
Each summit.
Holding my breath on the descents when at 50 mph I cannot catch you guys.
PJ learning to duck back into the cab from hanging out the window to get some of those shots as I yell "Tree." (they were scratchless trees, Dan, really. No marks on the truck)
Lunch at Moss Glen Falls.
And last but not least at all, dinner. Thank you all again for feeding us.

Here is the link to the pics:

[url]http://www.flickr.com/photos/hmo/sets/72157622083770559/detail/[/url]

Enjoy!

H :D
 
It doesn't matter where you go in life .... it's who you have beside you.

Once again Helen, you have out done yourself.

Great Shots!!!

Ryan

p.s. it's definately not a cow, looks like a donkey to me: [url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donkey[/url] AKA Burro, AKA Ass

Great shots Helen, I hope you are doing alright... I see another gadget in your future.

PJ