300 Warriors: Observations from the ride.

"The last five Ks seemed like forever." - Blake Caldwell (at the time, the yellow jersey holder for the Tour of Utah) speaking of the final climb up to Snowbird Ski Resort on Stage 4.

Yeah, I hate that climb.

I haven't had a chance to type up my long and boring report of the ride, yet, so I thought I'd just bring up some observations I had from the day. I'll probably explain some of these later when I have more time.

• Having my family there at the end to cheer me on was a huge boost when I wanted to stop and rest a bit.
  
• Starting out the day in 40 degree weather (that's F, not C) is much better than finishing in the heat. 
  
• Hydration = good!
  
• Even at my best, the Pros are so much better.
  
• The bike doesn't get you the win.
  
• I am really, really horrible at adjusting derailleurs. I can't figure out why, though, because it seems so simple. Further, playing with the barrel adjusters while riding just makes things worse.
  
• Even though I've never been much of a fan of the Rock Racing team, it's just a team. Racers move around as they try and sort out their career, but the team isn't necessarily the rider. Case in point: Victor Hugo Pena. If you ever google your name and this post comes up, I just want to tell you you're awesome in my book. When you threw your empty bottle to a six-year-old on the side of the road who was screaming, "Go biker, go biker!" you made a permanent fan--a fan of both you and cycling in general. Now my son won't put that bottle down. Thanks.
  
• Rotating pace-lines are so cool when they work right.
  
• The best way to avoid flats is to prepare for them. All told, I had two sets of spare wheels and a spare bike. Mechanicals during the ride? None.