THE DUST WILL WAIT

He had a goal: To ride the STP (Seattle to Portland) in one day after he turned 60. He did just that last Saturday. There were 9 riders in his group. One was a 5 foot short woman - she's behind him in the photo above. The youngest was age forty something and the four oldest were 60. They were on their bicycles by 5 a.m, and all but one had crossed the finish line by 9:30 pm. Our daughter Amanda and our friend Kim (whose husband also rode) drove the sag vehicles and kept the riders fed and hydrated. This is the 7th time my husband has completed the 200 mile classic. He and his group added another 3 or 4 miles when they chose to take their lunch break at a park off the route. He said he's never felt better. I thought his entry number was poignant. He does look like a 30 - 60. Don't you agree? (Photo credits to Amanda)

Six of the eight guys at 5:00 a.m. preparing to take off from Seattle. Hubby is third from right. Group included our Pastor and two of his sons. One of the hottest days - 98 degrees in one area and very humid . Not typical Western Washington weather. The hubby taking a break about mid point. The finish line at Lloyd Center In Portland, Oregon after 11+ hours of pedaling. Our good friend Mike and the hubby race to the second finish line. The first one is out in 27 seconds. **update. Forgot to give our good friend Kim credit for the pictures. She drove the SAG vehicle - I didn't get to go. The hubby corrected me to a bit over 11 hours on the bikes. But, the day was actually 13 hours on the road because they took rest stops as well as a lunch stop. They consumed an inordinate amount of fluids and snacks.

If you like bird watching, then you might grab your binoculars and set out beside the road when avid cyclists "fly by" in one of their regional fun rides. I googled the question, "Can Peacocks Fly?" and was assured that they do. These two peacocks are the hubby (right) and his buddy Mike. They drove to Ellensburg, Washington and had a pleasurable day riding in what is called a " metric century." The weather was perfect and the only pitfall was that Mike forgot his helmet. The local bike shop loaned him one and away they flew. The route follows the Yakima River and parallels the North Cascade range. With the sun shining and the open road calling, the boys pedaled their hearts out. Then they hurried home and had just enough energy left for baked chicken, stuffing, gravy and red potoatos.