TDN: Wrap up

So thinking back, people we met or nicknamed:

"Uncle Rico" - some dude that totally looked like Uncle Rico in Napoleon Dynamite. Mustache and all. Was one of those who had to be first out, first in. OK dude, Prize to you for your first out, first in. Whoopee.

"Two Fat Guys" - These poor dudes just struggled and struggled the whole way. We didn't see them after the 73 mile day. Didn't see them at the banquet. I think they threw in the towel. Was funny to watch them ride their bikes. I don't know why anyone would ride mountain bikes for 317 miles... WAY to heavy!

"Zoo Bar People" - Some group that is infamous amongst the TDN. You have to be accepted into the group. Apparently they ride as hard as they can to the first bar, then ride as hard and fast to the second bar, etc. And they truly do. Once again: Prize to you. But one of the Zoo Bar guys from Denver was very friendly. We liked him.

"Iron Man" - some guy who just had to let everyone know HE was in the Ironman competition. Told everyone he came in contact with. Wore an Ironman shirt every day. Was also the guy who I walked in on changing his shorts. People like this have issues. So, prize to you dude. Happy for ya. (small wankey complex)

"Sisters" - Margaret and Kathy, two sisters we visited with along the way. Quite pleasant and had nice conversations... One was a biker, the other sister was cohearsed by the other to ride the TDN. They stuck together, much like Amy and I.

Dave and Elsa: Nice couple from Lincoln. Dave thought he knew how to put up our tent. I just let him think that, then took it down and did it right. It was their first time on the TDN and they did great!

Ken: A retired guy from Lincoln with a gold chain, which I'd guess said "Libra" or something of that sort on the pendant. Enjoyed talking with him. He just kept saying, "I'm retired! Yay!"

Elsie the dog: Mascot of the TDN, basset hound. What a great dog! Truly enjoyed herself more than any of us, I think!

Two blondes who were on the make: Yuk. You 20 somethings that are that desperate hitting on the Bike Rack techs, you need to find your own group. For once this is the over 40 group and we don't like you! Disgusting! Take off some of that black mascara, too. And shut the volume off on your damned cell phone! Rude!

Mike: Ah, Mike. Strange bird, Mike is. But a heart of gold. I'm sure we'll see Mike again. His "riding partner" kept disappearing. Hmmm.

Seemed like everyone we met knew someone we knew once we said we were originally from Scottsbluff.

I became known as "Map Girl." I had the elevation maps which became wildly popular. At the banquet, The Sisters, said, "Oh look! Map Girl has really curly hair!" Funny.

I think the nicest people were the host volunteers in the little towns. It is so nice to go visit those people, just to sit and visit. They are not out to prove anything, and are just the best folk you could ever meet. I think that was half the enjoyment of the trip. I hope we do it again, half for the ride, but the other half, to meet the people.