FOG!

We rode through very heavy fog for 2 1/2 hours this morning.  It was certainly dangerous dealing with Nashville morning traffic, but there were no incidents.  

Denis was recovering from an illness and Kevin has been a lot slower since getting sick in Branson, MO.  As a result, we had a five man group that hung together pretty much all day...by that I mean 10 hours and 15 minutes.  We had a lot of climbing, but it was primarily done in two long pulls, which made it seem easier.  Odd; the last few miles are always tough.  It doesn't matter if it was today's 126 or an easy 70-miler.  One programs the brain to do the work, but it gets weary towards the end.  My ride went very well; however, I'm now awfully tired and dealing with a sore back again.  I settled for McDonald's because the nicer restaurant was 250 yards from the hotel.

Word is we're getting close, but you sure couldn't prove it by me.  All it seems we do is go to bed sore and get up an do another century ride the following day.  Schedule shows 107 tomorrow and a little less climbing.  We get to Ashville, NC, on Sunday, which is supposed to be beautiful.  

People were looking at next year's Trek Travel brouchure during lunch.  Funny.  The two most excited people were Jen and Rustin, our guides.  Rustin is signing up as a 'guest' for one Europe ride because it's so awesome he wants the full experience.