8/13, Pb-ville

I had a nice little Saturday morning two days ago. In fact, the fun segued briefly into Saturday afternoon given that my finish time was seven hours and four minutes in a race that started promptly at 6:30am in brisk, (nearly two) mile high Leadville, CO.Photo and street cred, courtesy of Kevin Scott Batchelor. Plus it's proof that I managed to eek out a smile at the finish of what Laurens Ten Dam, Timmy Duggan, Craig Lewis, and I collectively and unanimously decided is a race way harder than any spring classic or world championship.Leading into Powerline, I went pro roadie and issued a #TedKingStaringAtStemsMost of the post-race afternoon was spent either laying prone whimpering quiet groans now and again. Then later I parked at the kitchen table for the next seven hours and four minutes with an ever-revolving door of friends, competitors, supporters, and otherwise just cool folks affiliated with the Leadville 100 mountain bike race swinging by the World Bicycle Relief house. Ample recovery beers and other creative beverages helped soothe the pain and enliven the conversation.Yes, 12th place out of 2,000. I consider myself a proud finisher. Plus I think I take home the title of top retiree.This article in the Denver Post covers the race most accurately -- race coverage plus lots of other fascinating tidbits. Lots of insight into a really great event that's such a far cry from what we ProTour roadies are accustomed.It's the rich community that separates this race from anything traditional. Here's a shot from the post race awards ceremony. The high school gymnasium is packed well beyond capacity and every single person receives a round of applause. To hear about the 1,000 milers (i.e. 10x editions of Leadville), the 83 year old gentleman with 11 finishes to his name, the veterans, the teams, the causes, it tugs furiously at the heartstrings.Thanks again to the World Bicycle Relief Team for their terrific support and ability to raise over $80,000. That is a lot of Buffalo Bikes to a very very worthy cause and very very worthy recipients. We'll run the competition to win a Cannondale while eating donuts(!) or earn a super special and timeless Leadville meets World Bicycle Relief kit by Velocio.