2003 / Day 4

Thursday, January 23, 2003
Off to an earlier start today. We were determined to get in more riding before running out of daylight. As we were leaving the rain started moving in. Being the tough guys we are, we wined for about 10 minutes and then starting riding being thankful the temperature was above 50.

As usual, we started to forget about everything and just enjoyed riding. Our plan was to ride for an hour on the rolling hills and then hit the climbs. Once we arrived in Slifke everyone was quite wet. The thought of riding to a higher altitude (where is was sure to be colder) was not all that appealing.

We turned around deciding that a 2 hour ride was not a bad in the rain. Plus there was coffee and a crackling' fireplace waiting for us back at the ranch. Along the way home, we stopped for gas (actually the restroom). Gary filled up his tank while Bobby and Tom returned to childhood on the see-saw.

Once back on the road, Rustem blew a tire and gave us all a lesson on changing tubulars. Cytomax...glue...same thing. We also learned that passing cars and buses honked politely as they blew by us within inches. At least they waved.

Tomorrow we are headed to Alonya for the Turkish National Qualifiers where a few of us will get to race. This forced us to clean our bikes and wash our clothing. We need to at least "look" fast. There will be an early curfew tonight since the bus arrives to pick us up at 8am. This may be a challenge since no one has risen before 10am on any give day thus far. Good night.

Special Addition: Rustem Telling Stories of old