ToTG Day 5 - Don't crash don't finish last

Although there is no true shame in finishing last (remember what you call the last place guy to finish the Tour de France -  "Hero")  if you aren't competitive with your class these are reasonable goals.

Craig and Jim achieved these goals on the final stage aka the "Gila Monster" and for the race overall.

Also they can hold their heads up knowing that even in the pro race there were racers who lost more time each day than they did (ie "didn't belong?")

The men's pro field fared less well meeting these basic goals as around 20 riders crashed on the Cat 1 descent to the Cliff Dwellings (Jim and Craig's fields don't do that climb/descent) with the race leader crashing out and another rider suffering possible spinal injury.  That sucks.  Our hearts and thoughts go out to them.

The final stage starts w/ about 1500 feet of climbing in the first 15 miles, making it tough to stay on, which Jim and Craig did not.  They did get into small groups and finish the day, it was very hard with tired legs.  Craig deserves special props for racing even though sick.  His bunkie Wes had a tough night, but recovered an got a training ride in.  They blame Friday nights pasta feed.

Jim was worried about Craig because the last day is so hard.  Unfounded fears as Craig did it and wants to come back next year.

We rolled out of Silver around 3pm with Wes doing most of the driving and hit SA around 3:30am.  Safe trip, no speeding tickets.  Car smelled really bad and may need fumigation.

Hopefully the boys will race again next year.  They won't win the race, but they can certainly achieve improvement goals such as lasting longer in individual stages and moving up daily and overall GC by 1.  losing weight 2.  Toughening up mentally during the hard sections 3.  Riding the bike.

Til next year from the Gila.