This past weekend, I completed the annual Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic with my dear friend Ben and his wife Melissa (also down the path towards becoming a dear friend after smoke-checking Ben with me over 207 miles LOL).

The ride was a ton of fun, and I felt strong throughout. As predicted, the only real challenge was the heat: it was the first weekend all year that was truly hot in the PNW, with temps reaching 94ºF on Sunday. I was definitely channeling some Marine Corps training re: “Hydrate or Die,” but even sleeping in a tent on day one didn’t seem to affect me. Nothing hits better than setting an audacious goal, working your butt off to prepare for it, and achieving it with strong execution.

Nothing hits better than setting an audacious goal, working your butt off to prepare for it, and achieving it with strong execution.

The Cascade Bicycle Club really put on a stellar event and now I’m eagerly looking at other endurance rides and races I can train towards. I’m loving this new addiction and have lost ~20 pounds so far this year!

Here are a few photos from the event, a mix of iphone snapshots and professional pics from some of the event volunteers.