GOT GRANDPA!

 I’ve got grandpa! He proudly says he actually got called that at one point on the trail. 

He’s on the mend now after 2 days off the saddle  He’s eating a lot  Yesterday he had his ritual cheerios and yogurt. Followed by fruit salad, 2 egg and cheese buns, 2 avocado and cheese buns, 2 donuts, popcorn, 5 Bavarian sausages, 3 baked potatoes and the whole bowl of Greek salad.

Dave is moving along at a good pace according to his track and beta from the track leaders site. He’s now cycled 962 miles. Yesterday the track dots changed colour for some. Those who have fallen too far back from finishing in the running time are now white dots and categorized as touring instead of racing. I'm not sure on the percentage of drops out yet, but there appears to be a few.  I also see a larger separation between those in the upper times, more resting time as they are getting tired and starting to have more fun. There is also more paring up in groups of two. The three leaders are travelling side by side now. It will be so exciting to watch them sprint to finish line in New Mexico. Word has it they actually slept last night. I wonder if they sealed it with a gentleman's handshake. They are tight now, so tight that they hunkered down in a porta-potti yesterday to holdup during a downpour.  As seen in the photo. 

Tim really enjoyed this ride and of course there is a plan to return in a different form. The GDMR- Great Divide Mountain Bike trails are beautiful and the setup for bikers down here is so well done compared to the Grand Start route from Banff to the border. The bunk houses, bike camps, and people along the routes who are enthusiastically encouraging and supporting riders. Tim said at one point there was a cooler on the trail for bikers that people had thoughtfully packaged some snack bags and even beer. 

I’d like to ride parts of it with support of course. So we are planning something next spring where Tim can finish it grandpa style, and I can keep my legs moving too at which is important to slow Parkinson’s progression. Happy and grateful Dave introduced us to this. 

While here we are going to drive through Yellowstone National Park today. Kinda cool knowing Dave will be so close still but so far. 

Go Dave Go!! The Parkinson’s dot is rolling!! 

Follow Dave

http://trackleaders.com/tourdivide23i.php?name=Dave_Rutledge

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