Trishop closed its door; I lost sports social circles. Windhaven sidewalk became less skate-friendly as new apartments completed.
I held weekly Sunday skate for the few who could make the time. Coming back from ankle injury, Jorge decided to challenge A2A 87. I wanted him to succeed. Kurt and Nicolas had non-skate priorities.
I scaled down A2A ambition also because of the 3-week Europe trip. I wanted the Italian culinary experience. I chose give up on racing weight.
My final Windhaven session came to an abrupt and exciting stop due to sidewalk littered by a Red Bull Soapbox Race. Not cool, Red Bull.
A few days later, a fallen branch brush my face due to my poor chainsaw skill. Would’ve been worse without helmet and eye protection.
_A2A goal
Skate with Jessica.
Finish 38 quickly and safely.
Skate with Luke.
Hug Colleen at CP5 possibly for the final time.
Cross finish line with Jorge.
_start line in the dark
Candy was in skinsuit hesitantly.
Parker’s wrist was in bandage due to a recent crash. His legs operated at more human level after overnight skate with Sam.
Bob wasn’t well enough to start. Made me sad.
Georg brought his beautiful Yvonne and perfect toddler.
Sonic was all positive energy and made me feel fatter.
_gun at 7am
I let the fast boys and girl go. I followed a Junk Wheeler who lost steam after couple miles. I took over, dragging Sandra and Eddie. Parker passed us. I let him. Lennie took off too late. We sucked both back in. My pack also included 2 Junk Wheelers, Lauren, Jesse, Jessica, Serkan, and Herb. Herb skated conservatively instead of encouraging everyone to sprint downhills. Serkan looked like Francisco.
The real Francisco & 2018 NSIM winner Ken Kuwada attacked at mile 1.
I didn’t see Scott whom I invited to my pack the night before. He swore 17 mph would be too fast. I wondered if he had a bad start or a great day.
_check point 1
I was surprised to see Candy distributing water and banana. She hitched a ride instead of crossed the start line.
We caught Oswald and Michael. Their legs seemed fried but recovered quickly.
_check point 2
Gator back improved in patches. It made Butt Pucker Hill at mile 23 slightly faster.
I felt our wattage dropping. I held back on my pulls knowing I had 38-mile competition. Jesse and Lauren spent minimal time in front.
_38-mile race
Jesse moved to the front and took a turn. He breathed hard. I offered to tie, not knowing who else were racing 38. Jesse ignored me. I wanted to race but didn’t want stupid risks at the final intersection.
Jesse took off. I chased. A Junk Wheeler dragged Lauren and pass us. Rest of the group was out of sight. Jesse breathed harder.
I attacked on an incline to test 8 legs. A gap opened. I accelerated, wishing I was more fit and less fat. I felt Lauren and her windshield closing in. I maneuvered between 2 cars at the intersection without provoking middle fingers. I went full throttle. I didn’t look back.
Scott Knecht won averaging 18.5 mph with Peter’s group. I was happy to see how happy he was.
Jack Study brought his young skaters and finished under 4:20.
_#’s
Time: 2:16:54
Speed: 16.8 mph
Placement: 2nd
_check point 3
I was sad the bicycle shop closed. I grew attached to its bathroom.
Candy informed me of Luke’s progress. I greeted everyone I knew, used porta john, grabbed supplies, shared electrolytes with Herb, then started in time to catch 49-milers who merged with Parker, Sam, Serkan, and Herb.
I went to the front and told Ted I’d pull before CP4. He acknowledged and stayed 20 meters behind. We agreed that’s not how drafting worked. He reduced the distance to 4 meters for our second attempt. Rest of the group seemed content staying behind Ted and Anna. I went to the back where Serkan cramped. I offered to take him to CP 4.
_check point 4
I waited and was delighted to see Luke and Jorge together. Luke and I caught up while Jorge wore ear bugs—Jorge looked less sharp with each climb. I knew how that felt. “Shit’s gonna get real real soon.”
A crack grabbed Jorge’s wheel. Blood oozed out of his hand.
After decades of A2A, Luke and I finally encountered our first train at the bottom of the hill. Jorge didn’t get to enjoy rolling over the tracks at full speed.
Jorge headed toward store to buy water. I gave him my bottle. I marveled how the event changed its roles in my life. I wish parameters were different so I could utilize what Sonic and Parker had to offer. The more connected we became, the more aware we were of missed opportunities.
Serkan and Eddie joined us after stopping to fertilize. A lighter Eddie refused to acknowledge he had bodily functions.
Luke and I tried to think heavy but couldn’t reach manly speed at Silver Hill.
_check point 5
We stopped. Pickle juice was delicious.
The skin opened less than blood volume suggested. I was sad Colleen was moving away. I declined beer after brief struggle; I felt responsible for Jorge’s safety.
_check point 6
We grab the final water and banana without stopping. Serkan and Eddie were recovered. They left. Jorge slowed with each mile.
Luke went down tripping on 1 of the thousand twigs. He continued after couple seconds. Jorge ran on fumes. We rooted for him. Watching Jorge’s struggle, I was envious of all the experiences he would acquire. Mindfulness promises a path to separate pain from suffering. I wonder which I’ll miss more.
_#’s
Time: 6:35:52
Speed: 13.3 mph
Intersections with police protection: more than previous year. Thank you, Anna.
_finish
For the 2nd time Francisco criticized my wheel choice, trying to be helpful. I suppressed: "easy for you to say; you have a wheel sponsor" while feeling ungrateful. Francisco offered to send me discount code for wheels more suitable for the course.
Jorge and I returned to finish line at advertised time but missed the award that started early. I talked to Dan the legend who shared his wisdom on wheel and on life. I was more disappointed in missing the chance to congratulate Scott than missing my podium photo.
David and Michelle gave us a ride to a burger joint Mr. Jones liked. Dave bought everyone dinner. I limited my answers on questions to endurance sports so the dinner would end before midnight.
_Monday
I slept poorly. I ran to Centennial Olympic Park and CNN in the dark. I debated whether to breakfast downtown before joining the traditional Flying Biscuit. The decision was made for me: I received a work call. Sunday JBoss upgrade went badly. Hilton coffee and packaged cookie weren't terrible.
I Facetimed mom and discussed father’s real estate decisions that led to where we were. I joined Jorge for the trip home by changing to an earlier flight. The AA staff was unimpressed by my A2A shirt and assumed the facial wound came from skating on the road. She waived the $75 change fee, enough to pay for 2020 A2A registration.
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