We headed down (or up) to Mesa to participate in the Tour de Mesa (formerly known as Tour de Phoenix). This was the first year of the same race under the new name. The name change only reflected that the majority of the race took and takes place in Mesa. I think at it's closest point it comes within 15 miles of Phoenix and does not even pass through Phoenix. So it only makes sense after so many years to change the name.God blessed us with the ability to promote IC3 in the Greater Phoenix area at the expo which took place at the Mesa expo center. We handed out Hammer gels, Hammer Fizz, sampled some of their HEED and even handed out some Daily Devotional Bibles. Thanks to Hammer Nutrition for providing all these goodies over the years. We talked to many riders, some interested in the club, some interested in just riding with Christians and others just interested in the free Hammer goodies. It is always a pleasure to give away free things at these expos. And because this expo is small in comparison to the one at the El Tour de Tucson, you got to interact with the riders on a more personal level.
Giving away free things also reminded me of Jesus, to Him and His Father be all glory and honor, now and forever. Free things are not free, and so is our live in Christ. Jesus had to die so that we might live. It's not cheap grace, it cost the Father everything.
On race day, Todd, Harry and I participated in the race. The race starts out with almost all riders heading down University Blvd. at 27 miles/hour in a decent sized group (500 people or more ?!?). We usually take up 3 lanes escorted by police motorcycles. And at 6:15 in the morning we don't upset too many motorists that have to stop at the intersections we are racing through. We even tripped a few red light and speeding cameras. I guess they got confused with all those cyclists riding over the induction loops. All that training payed off and I was able to improve my time from 2009 and finished in under 3 hours (platinum time). Todd finished in shy of 4 hours and Harry finished right around 5 hours. We had a great time at the race, no injuries to report, even though there were a few crashes. We established new relationships with riders from Tucson, that have been part of our training rides. Racing gave it a special bond.
We are looking forward to the Tour of the Tucson Mountains (TTM) and next years Tour de Mesa.
