I lost nine...

...pounds (lbs.) this weekend. And no, I didnt get my hand cut off. This weekend was the MS150 - a bike race/ride from North Denver to Fort Collins and back. If you have never ridden your bike 150 miles, then take a 2x4, lay it across two saw horses, then straddle it. For 10 hours. Then add in the heat, sun, wind, and oh yeah - pumping your legs...then you would get sort of get the picture. You might think to yourself, "Self, that doesnt sound so good." But you'd be wrong, it was fantastic. Let me tell you why I had such a good time:

1. It wasnt just me, but Team ATX. We had a group of 10 that were all committed and looking good our new jerseys - thanks to BK Medical, INnMED, Firma Medical, and P1 Mobile Solutions [shameless plug]. Good people.

2. On day 2 we actually inducted a new member Matt, who is actually the guy from Pactimo (http://www.pactimo.com/) [another shameless plug] that set us up with our jerseys. He received one for his troubles at the end of day 2. Thanks Matt.

3. It wasnt just a bike ride for us - we collectively raised over $13,000 for the National MS Society. Thank you to everyone who contributed - and if you would still like to, please go to http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?px=4571906&pg=personal&fr_id=9111.

4. Thanks to Amy and Krista, we had an excellent (decorated) team tent at the end of day one, complete with a cooler full of Function Sport Drinks (www.functiondrinks.com), and a pony keg full of beer from Wynkoop Brewery (http://www.wynkoop.com/) [well, if you get free stuff you have to return the favor with plugs]. At the end of day two, our lovely team moms set up a cooler under a shade tree with, you guessed it, beer and sports drinks. Thanks Amy and Krista.

5. Just to give you an idea of how awesome Team ATX (aka Awesome to the Max): the MS Society gives everyone two luggage tags so that you can take a change of clothes, etc. to Fort Collins and back. We checked an empty keg shell on the way back. Zinger.

5. Amy also brought my camera and took pictures. What this means is that I am actually in some photos. She is really getting good with that SLR...

6. I really miss pushing myself to the limit. I like the pain, and it also makes me realize that my limit is actually further. So you might see me in some more grueling rides soon.

7. AND nap time. In the end I came home, took a shower, put an ice pack on my knee, and fell asleep on the couch. Initially I turned on the TV, and found the Karate Kid II. Even in my state, I found that I couldnt fall asleep because I wanted to watch Danielsan beat up the Okinawan dude at the Bone Festival...so I had to switch to music. A little Nickle Creek knocked me right out. I have no idea how long I slept, but Kristin woke me up and we went to Toyko Joe's for dinner. Not a bad way to finish up.