I actually sort of know Jim Penseyers. I did a ride from SF to SD last year that he was doing as well. Really, really nice guy. I rode with him for a couple of days, and he gave me a lot of good tips about skin care, which is a real issue for athletic amputees. Jim is really fast too, and has a fantastic Moots.
There were several of us war vet amputees on the ride and several of the Vietnam era guys like Jim came out and rode with us. They are really an inspiration, knowing that the vigor and desire to be active we have while young doesn't necessarily fade as we get older.
Thanks to everyone for all the supportive talk. It is really easy to get discouraged when you are consistently getting shot out of the back of the pack. On the good side, at the races everyone is always super cool.