This is where I start using my faculties

Well hello there!

Since the last episode in this story, I spent an inordinate amount of time packing to go to Duluth, spent the night at Fitger's, rode my bike from Proctor to Hinckley, spent the night, and rode my bike to White Bear Lake. I then went home, unpacked the stinky clothes, packed fresh ones, and went to Atlanta for work. I've spent the night sorting through the bike ride photos, updating the team's Facebook page, and sending out a tweet or two on Bike MS-related things.

Over the past few days, I have been thinking about the ride, which was probably my favorite one yet. The weather was great, my teammates are really nice and fun, and Tara and others did a super job of feeding and hydrating us. I really appreciate that Matt rode with me both days. Two days of chatter on the bike distracted me from worrying about my back too much.

Day 1, an unusually quiet portion of the Munger Trail

Towards the end of the second day, I always start getting punchy. Everything is funny, I can't form sentences, and normal things don't make sense in my brain. I had mentioned to Matt, while riding into the rest stop near Hugo at Bald Eagle Lake, that we were at the point where I start losing my faculties. He thought that I said that it was the point where I start using my faculties, causing much laughter and speculation about the ways that I'd been holding back.

In this picture, I look quite pained. In reality, I was totally cracking up.

It was a great ride. I feel uncharacteristically at a loss for words to describe all of my feelings about this year's ride and my team's remarkable attitude and fundraising abilities. 

Thank you, friends, for helping me contribute to my community in such a meaningful way.