Somehow this thread has alluded me for the past week. I feel sort of embarrassed that Robbie's been doing all the posting.

I'm flying to Atlanta a few days before and driving up to meet Robbie and Rob on the night before we start. I can only hang (or should I say trail behind) them for three days, before I need to head back to Atlanta before flying home. I feel really honored that they have included me in the group.

I'll ride from Cherokee to Blowing Rock, so I'll cover the two highest points on the BRP. A number of years ago I rented a bike in Asheville and rode uphill for 15 miles. The grade was not bad, it was just the constant climbing. So I've been training by spending time on my 9 mile climb here in NH. My climb is 1000 feet over that distance, so not as steep on average, but I have several sections that kick up to 10% and one which goes at +15%. I hope I'm ready.

My nephew pulled my Atlanta bike out of storage yesterday. First thing he checked for me, was the tooth count on my big rear cog. 34! It also has a 30 or 32 granny, so, Robbie will need to wait for me at the top! That is if he wants any friendly competition on the descents!

This Tuesday evening at the top of the 9 mile climb. That's ice covering the top of the alpine bog!