Beckie is running the Chicago marathon, which is the same weekend as the TOWM this year. I am bummed, but somewhat relieved to not be facing the whim of Mother Nature this year. The last 2 years its rained hard, and the mud up there is the nastiest most peanut buttery crap in world. 12 miles took 3 hrs and most of that time came on the 5 mile stretch when I was carrying my bike — the mud was so bad I couldn’t even push. Then last year, they re-routed the course so the 66 miler became a 100 mile fire road ride. It was fun, and amazingly not dull, but more a quiet and subdued mellow day.

So, like last year, I hung onto the hope for the potential of how awesome this route can be. But truth is I ain’t that upset about taking this year off. Maybe I will go ride the route soon to get out of the heat.

Some memories from the past races:

2005

Beckie: woohoo my race was so great! I think I did really well! how was yours?

Jason: mine fucking sucked, i hate myself, i hate my bike, shut your fucking pie-hole.

Beckie: Really? Our course was fast and tacky. Yours wasn’t good?

Jason: Did the phrase “fucking sucked” elude you, stupid bitch?

Beckie: I better wipe my bike down, this shouldn’t take long.

Jason: My fucking hands are raw, my bike is still encrusted, hurry your ass the fuck up and help me.

Beckie: Wow I think I placed!

Jason: Eat shit and die!

Beckie: Wow I think I won.

Jason: I wish I never met you, fucking sadistic whore.

Beckie: let’s stay for the awards, there are cookies.

Jason: mmm….cookies

2006