AMBER, IS THE CHAMPION, MY FRIENDS

With an acknowledgment to the rock band Queen and Freddy Mercury, Amber ( MY #@^&*$# WIFE, WOOOOOO!!!) has given new meaning to an anthem of a classic Rock n' Roll song.

I've paid my dues -
Time after time -
I've done my sentence -
But committed no crime -
And bad mistakes -
I've made a few -
I've had my share of sand kicked in my face -
But I've come through -

We are the champions - my friends -
And we'll keep on fighting - till the end -
We are the champions -
We are the champions -
No time for losers -
'Cause we are the champions - of the world -

- Queen

First, the stats:

-12hrs:13min race time
-19th in her category (CAT4 and CAT5)
- less than five minutes in each feed zone
- 206 miles
- 8000 feet of climbing

Now the "funnies":

You won't believe this - especially Doug and Michelle - but I knew Amber would finish when I was driving the support vehicle from Afton, WY to Alpine, WY. "How did you know she would finish, Patrick?", you might ask. Because as soon as I left Afton, Barracuda (by the band Heart) began to play on the radio! I knew at that moment, baby! I knew.

This is not "funny" per se, but some will think it a joke, I suppose. I think Amanda should've taken up road biking fifteen year ago. Amanda rode the last 47 mile relay for her team, and what I witnessed was awesome. As I drove up the Snake River Canyon, I caught a very brief view of Amanda because she was elbow-deep in a peloton of riders. Again, as I pass them and later stopped 20 miles up the road, I was surprised by a voice in the middle of a 30-rider peloton that said "...hey Patrick, wooo!". Riding in a group going 20+ mph takes some mettle.

April (Mom) called me no less than 37 times during the race! Her support of John is great, and taught me alot.

John (Dad) once again complained of pains of some sort, but managed to kick most everyones butt in this race. He's awesome, or as we Auburn alumni say, "He's AUsome!". I wonder if he'll slow down once he reaches his 50's?

The "Port-O-Potties" at these events are the grossest things you've ever seen. Pray that you never have to "go #2", or that you have to actually sit down in one of these things. *shudder*

Now the authentic stuff:

This is a hard race, and it is a great accomplishment for anyone. Not only did Amber finish, she finished in impressive fashion with a great time. It was absolutely great to witness and participate, and play a small supportive role in an incredible athletic achievement. Amber is great and motivates me daily to NOT be the couch potato I long to be. I am very lucky in so many ways.

And please ask Amber the next time you see her about the phrase, "I want my Snicker bar!!".

GIVE IT UP FOR AMBER!!!

Here's some add'l footage: