Doug's out and about again at Tranquility

Met up with Rich in the Fort St. parking lot Monday night and saw Doug go by riding his Bianchi Roger for the first time. Rich and I shortcutted the nursery and met Doug at the end. He was on his third lap turning a 48x17. Said he had no strength and was weasing. After three surgeries, two hospital visits with allergic reactions and having gained 8 lbs of water weight, I was finally in striking distance of staying on Doug's wheel. Well, a dream finally came true - I beat Doug up a hill!

We were climbing from the Papio up the south hill, Doug in front. As the grade turned up before the left turn, I saw Doug coming back to me. That was a new experience. I jumped the rutted trail to the left side and passed him just before the doubletrack. I kept on the pedals all the way to the top, not looking back. When I reached the top and saw the 50 yard gap, I felt like putting my hands in the air via Rocky but had some assemblance of tack not to do that.

You probably see this "victory" as pathetic, and it is. Doug is a great friend who I look up to. When you look at all that had to happen for me to best Doug up one hill, this really is a backhanded way of showing his strength compared to mine. But at least I know what it is like to pass Doug on a hill. I don't have to train ever again and can just enjoy riding into the sunset!