Reminders

and another from Tracy:

"Sometimes I wake up and I think " why" " what am I doing?" another pass , more wind ... And "where am I going?" Last night and this morning gave me plenty answers. I pulled into Wise River and stepped into mosquito heaven. I was swatting and dancing when a local offered some " bug dope". I took some, and got an offer of margaritas and camping as well. I took that too. I went into the restaurant and there were five other riders ....and they said to me " are you the girl on the MOOTS?" We talked and shared stories and had some food then three of us headed to the campsite offered. When we got there it was a bonanza in many ways. Food, liberal people , good conversation and open arms. They also knew all about the race. One guy in particular went over and over my bike...he loved it ....and of course I told him it was flawless. In the morning he came to tell us good bye and wistfully looked over my bike again. We took off for the day and waved our goodbyes. Later half way up the pass as I was taking a picture I heard a bike roll up; I liked over my shoulder. It was Ed the guy at the campsite. He couldn't stand it....he had to ride the divide even for a little bit. He was so excited, so was his wife. Later someone else from the campsite handed a dark chocolate candy bar out the window to me. People were smiling and hooting and hollering. It was great. It was also a wonderful reminder."