It’s ugly. Gonna be a long day. Burns, Oregon.

Snake River-Evel Knievel’s turf.

Boise.

“Steve, I want to shake your hand. You kicked my ass today and kicked my dad’s ass yesterday.”
Standing in line at the bike wash after the Elite race.

“Ride, Santa Claus, ride!”
At the Clydesdale race late Saturday night.

“Is your girlfriend here? No, she doesn’t like me when I get muddy.”
Said by a guy with the wrong girlfriend.

“I had no fitness, so I drank 2 PBRs before the start to get some confidence.”
At the Deshutes Brewery by a 30-34 master.

“I suck in this stuff. I haven’t had to wash my cross bike for two years.”
Said by a guy from Los Angeles.

“I got to meet Bromont in Bend….mighta been the highlight of the trip!”
Comment on blog by Jonny Bold

“I raced last Sunday, didn’t ride once last week, washed my bike yesterday and raced today.”
Eric Tonkin at the post race party after finishing 16th in the Elite race, starting a million guys back.

“Think it will be colder in Madison next year?”
Rider who might not realize it was 55 degrees and/or might not realize where Madison is located or that the race is in January.

“Tilford, I want to have your baby!”
Yelled at me by a semi nude, fat, bearded guy, during the Elite race.