Wednesday: Wednesday is traditionally Cherohala day (Cheroholliday!!!). Cherohala Skyway has a 13 mile climb, with average grades between 6-9%. We had a secret girls-only ride out to the climb, but since this was my first “official” mountain climb, once we hit Cherohala I turned on my iPod and set out at my own pace. My goal was to keep things steady and to spin as much as possible to keep from hurting my knees. It was great to make it to the top and take a huge group photo with the rest of the team. I also enjoyed the 13 mile descent back down to the bottom! Lindsey, JBarr and I set out back to the NOC for the ride home, but JBarr had some stomach issues so Lindsey and I joined a guys group for the rest of the ride home. We also added on “Winding Stairs” to bring the ride total to a full century plus a few miles.
Relaxing at the top
The Girls!
White Lightening
Dinner was at Guyabitos, a local Mexican restaurant. I ate my weight in salsa and chips, plus steak fajitas and fried ice cream! It was great to stuff myself silly after such a long day.
The festivities didn’t end there though! Back at the cabins we had the 3rd annual facial hair contest. Mountain Man Jon Cook finally shaved a bit of his flowing beard locks. Jon Kayes, lacking in the facial hair department, jumped on the leftovers to create his own “masterpiece” using honey and energy gels:
3rd place went to Dr. K, who even promised to wear this look to work when he got back
2nd to Jon Cook, still looking pretty hairy despite trimming enough to give full facial hair to a fellow competitor
The overall winner was Jon Kayes. Well deserved I’d say, considering he glued someone else’s hair on his face!!!
Even the girls got in on the fun:
Oliver turned the contest into a three day stage race. Here’s his day two, Reno 911 look:
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