THERE ARE THINGS YOU LEARN ALONG THE WAY, MAXIMS TO RIDE BY.  Eric quipped this nugget about 60 miles into an 80 mile ride, as the heat of the day peaked:

You can do anything with Dr. Pepper and a Snicker's bar.

I'd been thinking that very thing for at least an hour as I suffered trying to hang on to CV... just a little longer and you'll be to AM/PM in no time...

A blast of cold air hit me as I walked in.  Straight to the soda station.  42ounce cup full of ice and smothered in Doctor P.  Open wide.  Pour it down.  Fill it again.  Repeat.

The cold and sugar and caffeine
coursing through my limbs and core,
like spinach in PopEye's arms...
I can do anything.

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