Jeez… I do this for a living and 15 to 18 percent grades still worry me.

The first is the true story of my rather misguided attempt to do an event called L’Etape du Tour — an event put on by ASO during one of the rest days for the Tour de France. Picture 8,000 riders racing over a nasty mountain stage with two first category climbs. Picture a middle aged attorney who lives hundreds of miles from any mountains coming to grips with 15 - 18 percent grades in the Pyrennees. Picture a complete festival of pain. It turns out, though, that I rather improbably beat Miguel Induran, one of the celebrities who did the event.

The second story is about a riding buddy who tried to fix a sidewall cut in a tire with some dental floss. You can probably predict the results.

Anyway, good luck out on the road. Kick ass.

Thanks for the comment. I’m on the road right now, but I’m hoping to get to read the entire book when I get back home. Which story was yours? I’ll have to check it out.

Take care.

Austin

I *really* dig your story in the book, “The Kleedkammer.” It made me accidentally snort Cytomax out my nose. Way cool (but painful). I’m a contributor to the book as well, so I’m totally stoked to see you pimpin’ it hard.

Greg Taylor