I signed up to do this years waves wine pretty early early 2008. Shortly after that my dad was diagnosed with an advanced aggressive cancer in March. I don't know how fatcyclist does it, I really flaked out on my training during the following months. My longest ride was 40 miles with my most frequent being a 20 mile ride to GG park. Even mid-august he was doing well. Shortly after a visit where his doctor commented how healthy he seemed(she was right), his health took a nose dive. Then within the past two weeks his condition worsened more, with frequent trips to the hospital. I was going to cancel the ride but my dad and everyone else told me to do it. In the days leading up to the ride I was constantly evaluating the situation wondering if I should go. He was in the hospital and seemed well enough for me to go...

Night before the ride. Do a once over on my bike, notice the brake cable might be frayed. Loosen the binder bolt, go to retighten the bolt since the cable was just smooshed. The bolt had been stripped by the shop. Right when I find this problem in the evening the hospital informs us that my father is going to be discharged. After I finish getting my dad settled at home, go to put on the new brakes I botch cutting the housing I have to cannibalize the housing off my MTB and rewrap the handlebar. By the time I finish it's 2:30 and I still have to pack almost called it quits right there. But I get it done off to bed at 3:30 and set the alarm for 5:45...

Make it to the ride. Struggled up to Stinson beach, some great views along that route. But doing well until mile 50 then I start feeling it my shoulders are aching, my legs are feeling tired, my love muscle and hammer shorts start to clash with each other. Then I get a flat tire going along a gravely stretch of road. Pull off next to a bunch of oak trees. Take off my rear wheel. As I'm getting set to change the tire, realize I loosened the quick release too much. The quick release nut and spring have fallen somwhere. Start sifting through the acorns, leaves and dirt. Find the nut but not the spring. Lots of riders pass me I dont' bug them when they ask if I need help. Who carries a spare quick release spring? Resign myself to taking a ride to the finish. A car stops and a kind stranger gives me the spring off his bike. I'm back on the road but I've lagged and I'm in danger of taking a SAG ride still. But they allow me to continue, ride marshals escort me to the last rest stop. After a short break I'm off, suffering on the bike can't get comfortable. Thanking God for my brooks seat, that's the one thing that wasn't uncomfortable, my butt. I end up taking a right on bodega ave. instead of a left. End up on a route not the best choice for a bicycling route that takes me ten miles out of the way. Call my friend for directions. Finally make it to the finish very late 85 miles for the day. No time to enjoy my dinner or get my free beers before I have to catch the 7pm shuttle to my hotel. Not feeling that great morale wise or physically, I contemplate canceling the next day's ride. Damn a massage would've been nice. But I enjoy the shrimp shrimp shrimp sizzler special, Sierra Nevada at the hotel and cable tv. Call for my 6:30 am wake up call.

Force myself out on the course at about five minutes before cut off time. Feeling like I might quit. Day is uneventful. My body hasn't recovered my shoulders and legs are sore from the start. But thanks to the excellent rest stop spacing, I'm able to just struggle along on my triple from rest stop to rest stop. Make it to the 75 mile finish. But no time to enjoy the finish gotta eat fast and catch the 5pm to ATT. Once I get to ATT park have a moment of panic as they finish unloading the bike hauler and my bike isn't there. Turns out it's on the very last hauler which is 40 minutes out...

Despite it all loved the ride. Maybe even more than if I had no troubles. I made my own custom 160 mile route. Would've been nice to do the ride with friends. But then again it was great to get away and be by myself on the road. Sometimes I thought about my dad or my friend with MS. But a lot of the time I thought about the ride or just daydreamed.

Get home late due to bike delay and my dad has deteriorated even further. He's been asleep and incoherent all day. Sister informed me he was no longer taking meds. But he seems comfortable enough. My mom and I are primary decision makers, decide to let nature run it's course. But during the night he starts to moan and vomit. We decide to get him to the hospital for comfort early monday morning. Difficult time through the day. But our family is able to gather together and say our goodbyes. My dad passed away peacefully Monday evening.

Wow I can't believe I typed this all out and posting it out on an internet forum. But sometimes it makes you feel better to tell strangers your story. Thanks for listening.