Thank you to all - great ride, fantastic support and wonderful company. I can't imagine how the ride can possibly be improved, but know the PV gang will try. You are all AWESOME! A speedy recovery to Michael, Jamie and Denes, with special kudos to Denes for completing the extended century with Mitch, Colin and I. I know his hip was hurting, as evidenced by a bag of ice in his bib at every rest stop, yet he never complained or slowed, and the pace was pretty brutal at times. A very tough ride.
FWIW, if we follow a similar route to Carlton next year, try to incorporate the McGwire Dam section over the "green" loop we did this year, or at least give the group the options - flat or hilly. I would be happy to assist in this effort next year. For those who have never climbed McGwire Dam/Bald Mountain, it is one of the truly hidden gems in the area, and while it it is long, I would imagine the majority of our regular club members could "manage" the climb. The climb can be broken into 2 groups, giving riders the option of climbing to McGwire Dam(15 miles from Carlton at app 2000 feet) or to Bald Mtn(21 miles at just under 3000 feet). Maybe we can ride Bald Mtn on a Saturday ride in the future, possibly one of the first Saturday rides.