The Conquorers wouldn't fit on the sign...

Anyway, the ride started with a 15 minute fire road climb, the longest climb I have done this year that was followed by a 24 minute climb and another 15 minuter. If you are coming to SSWC bring your climbing legs, and polka dotted jersey's folks. Wes was sick, I know he didn't feel his best in the rocks today, he was unfreaking believable on the climbs. Matty (run forest) was feeling really smooth today, and was on top of the gear, very nice. Buddy was buddy, and couldn't be dropped in the single track. Big Ben is riding out of his head. He dropped a chase group containing Buddy, Matty and Myself on the final big climb. He told us to stop calling him "BIG MAGGY BACKSTEAD" in bad english accents. Bob was smooth and steady all day. He did keep getting dog shit on his surly and would have to clean it off his down tube. That was kinda funny. I rode like ass today. Usually I pride myself in my technical skills, but it was ugly today. See list of excuses below. Good news is I really had a great time, riding was sweet, and I was really grateful to have such great guides. About 3 hours in Harry bailed out, and Ted who was really suffering on the climbs today, rode by the group exclaiming, "Stuart OGrady is really not a fan of the climbs" in a Phil Ligget accent that had as all laughing. 20 minutes later at the top of the climb no one was laughing. Tough Stuff.

The ride was followed up by an excellent visit to Wes's folks at basically the base of Mt. Tussey Ski Area. Ms. Conqueror had whipped up amazing spinach lasagna, and an outstanding salad. On a regular day, this would have been an outstanding meal, after this ride, I heard angels singing every time she walked out onto the deck. Thanks to Harry and Wes and the Schempfs for their hospitality. Today was a most difficult and most fun day.