Update #13 Talladega Mornings (by: Heather)

Time: ~ 6:15 am
Mile marker: 463.1 (mile marker #6)
Location: Going into Talladega on Rt. 385 state highway. Leaving Talladega Rt. 203

They switched bikes. The rear break on the Abici was rubbing (due to all the rain) so the trusty ole tri-bike came out to play. Andy has ridden the entire course, except for the first 10 miles and the last 50 miles, on the Abici.

Andy + Lucero + "flats" = 20 mile an hour! (At least that is what the car spedometer was reading when I was talking to Mick.

I also got a "disclaimer" if you will, about the 2 person team that passed Andy. Geno was put on the phone because Mick refuses to pass along good news about fixed gear bikes. Geno says, "Some day I will get a fixed gear for this very reason! Wink and a smile." You guessed it! The 2 person team that passed Andy, and started 4 hours behind Andy, were riding FIXIES!!! The horror! The horror! Geno said they were fast, really fast. They also had this super spiffy black SUV behind them with REALLY fancy GPS. The driver of the SUV was calling out directions like,"You can take this corner really fast there is nothing up ahead to slow you down." These fixie riders are like all the rest...no need for a brain. Just push.(just kidding Geno ;-) As the phone was passed back to Mick I could hear Geno in the background yelling "Cause they kick ASS!" At that point Mick stated, "Phil has not taken his meds." LMAO.

We were talking a little more about pacing and when they expected to finish. Really, now that the sun is coming up (currently 6:27 am), Andy is on a different bike, and there are no more mountains...they are really not sure.

The past 450 miles were hellacious. Mick says, "It makes Ironman Wisconsin's course look like a kiddie course." Geno agreed and said, "It makes IMMOO look like a flat billiard table." Holy jeese!

They are doing it! I am getting so excited. :)))))))))))))))))