We ended up starting fairly late, almost 9 am, so having to pass lots of people again. It didn't rain, but it was quite damp and there was a strong crosswind while we went north, so not very pleasant riding conditions. I was just warmed up when we came across a rider with a flat (apparently she'd walked for 2 km without seeing any bike marshals go by to help) - we ended up stopping for 20-30 minutes to help (of course, *then* 3 bike marshals came - but we all seemed to struggle with getting her tire off), and I really cooled down. It took me a while to get warm again, and I was really slow and sluggish.
It was much easier once we headed west as we had a tailwind - Ed and I did some good drafting behind each other (and passing lots of people still). It was funny actually - we passed Alan and some of his teammates on the road initially, then they passed us when we stopped to help, then we passed them again at the next checkpoint.
The hot soup for lunch in Hay Lakes was greatly appreciated (as was the indoor area to sit for lunch in the Agri-plex). Ed and I really only stopped to stand/stretch briefly at the remaining checkpoints, and arrived back to Leduc around 1 pm - 3 hours 4 min riding time for 76.9 km.
Ed and I put on some dry (non-sweaty) clothes and waited for Alan and the rest of Team Pronto to arrive (which was about 2 pm). Michele from New York was at the finish line - Alan almost forgot to brake when he pulled up right in front of her! Lots of photos and hugs and congratulations - overall a fun experience.
(interesting how many trucks went by with bikes on the back ie. people not finishing the ride - I guess some people perhaps don't train enough or over-estimate their capabilities?)
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