This will be the 2nd year I have ridden the Assault on Mt Mitchell. I was very distracted a year ago, because the ride was 2 days before my son Josiah was born. I really had a hard time focusing on the training rides a few weeks before the ride, because in the back of my mind I was pretty certain that Josiah would be born early and I wouldn't even go out and ride at all. However, I was able to complete the Assault...in 8.5 hours. I was disappointed in my finish, but it was good to get out there and do it.

This year, I have trained better and ridden more. However, this week is Josiah's birthday which is a constant reminder that he passed away in January this year. The Mt Mitchell Assault is a week from today, and I hope to ride it well in honor of Josiah's life. Still, I expect it to be tough. I don't have anyone specifically that I am going to do the ride with, so it could turn out to be a lonely day. Hopefully, it won't be as long as last year...