Want to thank Team Fremont, Hammer Nutrition, Smith Optics, Cannondale Synapse, Castelli and my incredible teammates for their patience as I began my day on the Cannondale Synapse at a little past seven o’clock headed to Castro Valley. Got a chance to sport my new Smith Optics Pivlock V2 eyeglasses and loved them. They are so light and comfortable. Arrived as the second group was preparing to head for the hills. We battled Redwood Road, Canyon Avenue, Pinehurst, Moraga Way, San Pablo Dam Road and the continuous painfest called the Three Bears. It was a struggle for someone like me who does not like to climb and all we did all day was climb. Climbed and climbed. Hydrated with Hammer Nutrition and though I began to cramp I didn’t bonk. I cramped for lack of hydration and nutrition. Should have had something for breakfast. Bad planning. Three Bears broke me. Double cramped on Baby Bear and that nearly ended my day. Thankful for teammates. Thanks to the SAG team for getting me up Wildcat Canyon so that I could finish my painful ride home. Thanks for all the support and encouragement. Love the team. Love the pain. Love the work.