This morning a group of 15 met at 5:45am to celebrate the birth of a fat cyclist. The route planned was the dreaded gauntlet. Naturally as a way to taper for tomorrow’s High Uinta stage, I joined along for this ride up AF Canyon. 
This photo was poached from Rick. I had no business doing this ride(tomorrow I face a 30 mile climb with 5600 vertical/and 50 more miles after that), but I knew a group was turning around at the summit, and that would bring the customary sprint to the guard shack in play. I couldn’t possibly pass up going around hairpin turns at 40mph and then redlining it for the last 500 meters. If you have never been in a group sprint down this canyon, it is a must!
I have never been colder on a bike than I was this morning on the descent. In June you wouldn’t expect mid 30 degree temps. My toes and fingers are still thawing out.
As mentioned earlier the sprint for the shack usually goes all out at the 300-500 meter mark. Today Jon decided to change strategy and go with a full mile left! After pulling for the 3 miles prior I had nothing more to give, so Dug closed the gap and I caught his wheel. After a final sprint that nearly induced vomit and clocked 44.8mph, I nosed Dug by a mere 6 inches at the line. Will I pay for it tomorrow? Absolutely, but it is so worth it.
