Got off on Friday a little later than planned and paid for it with lousy traffic most all the way past Tracy and onto I-5. At that point I made a fortuitous decision and jumped off Hwy99 onto 88 for Jackson. A country, 2-lane highway, 88 takes you across the San Jouquin Valley and through the gold country foothills of the Sierras to Jackson on Hwy 49. From here you begin a long ascent on good road through mostly coniferous forests, a really pretty drive. At times the road travels along ridges that permit great views off to both sides.

Well, I won't say it was easy, but the Grim Reaper's putting no slab of granite over my head. Great experience. I can't say enough about the people who put this event on. They are amazing. Every rest-stop I came to I was met by enthusiastic, friendly people - "Can I rack your bike for your?" "Need any bottles filled?" "What would you like them filled with?" "Can I help you with anything else?" "Cold, wet paper towel? Right away! How about lens wipes?" Hats off to you all! The course has a bit of everything - most of all, hills . . . big hills.