The descent down the back side of Monitor was freezing. Not the coldest it’s ever been, but still, damned uncomfortable. In addition, as the road continues down and down, you can't help but reflect that all that asphalt whizzing beneath you will be revisited in a tryingly intimate fashion after you turn around at the bottom and slowly climb back up.
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I pick up my second sticker at the bottom.
The line is for the porta-potties. There is food under the tent. I refilled my water bottle with energy drink and pushed on.
My plan this year was to ride at a slow, steady pace and not dally anywhere.
Halfway up the water station relay was in operation. Here I hand my empty bottle over.
Up the road it is carried, filled . . .
. . .and handed back without me slowing in the least.