Our official RACE start is 8:53-1st ones to have luggage in little U-Haul-1st ones to leave.  This is a timed USA Cycling event-this is the 1st time for this ride-there are 25 of us–with me being the oldest by FAR.  My # is 103-pinned on rt side.  There are 5 other “girls”–all have legs of steel.  Off we go–wondering what Armand has gotten us into.  (BTC is still fresh in my mind).  Can’t believe how absolutely magnificent the ride is–Lake Koocanusa is on rt & trees & mts on left for 60 m.  Stop at 1st 2 aid stops–no one there yet–stop for lots of pictures (that 1 day will be posted).  Cross bridge to aid station #3–we have gone 60 m w/1 bottle of water.  YEA-M&Ms, cookies.  Within 5 min 3 front bikers show up & leave–bet they didn’t stop for pictures.  We rated this our #1 ride ever–better than Jackson Hole.  Having no wind or traffic, cooler tempt helped.  Left aid station feeling great–than it happened-long climb-didn’t look that steep-but kept going. Got cramp in leg, walked–several bikers passed saying good job–right.  Finally made it to Eureka–77 mile day–almost stopped at cute stores-but the timer was up ahead.  Pitched tent at HS-shower-speghetti dinner severed at cafeteria w/delicious chocolate cake-had 2 pieces. Talked to John & several others-said 1st 25 m tomorrow over pass were very difficult–we could sag w/him.  Wanted to TRI but decided that if we did it we wouldn’t enjoy the last 70 m.  Today started 2 hrs early-tomorrow will sag for the start.