Unfinished business in Georgia!

The A2A Story from a first timer who did not cross the finish line. BUMMER!!!

I arrived in Atlanta Wednesday after midnight and slept in Thursday; by midday I rented a car to scout out the rout from A2A. I drove up to Athens and slowly mad may way towards Atlanta. Needles to say I got off the path a couple of times. Friendly folks helped me get back on track. Taking brakes for lunch, snakes and some site seeing did not help to speed up the journey. By the time I took the turn on Rocky Ford it was dark and I got lost again. I pulled over to figure out where the heck I was and how to get back to the Hotel. With the assistance of some very nice city security guys I mad it back safe and sound.  

The Friday night skate in Atlanta - Police escorted - was lots of fun. We skated through the city, the Olympic site and the last few miles of the race. I met so many skaters from all over the world. Like Yukio Masuda from Tokyo, who gave me the most amazing Band-Aids on Sunday after he found out that I involuntarily kissed the pavement (not like Eddy) and had a road rash on my back and royal behind – they left no scars just little red marks and they too are fading away.  

Saturday breakfast was laced with stories and laughter (with all new skater friends). The Skate in the afternoon calmed me down a lot - just knowing the first few turns made me feel good. Everything registration was very well organized. I ended up sitting around on the floor with a bunch of skaters, checking out the registration package, exchanging goodies, listening to A2A and other war stories and to lots of good advice. It was cool to meet some of the roadskater.net people. (Great pics Blake) 

Sunday morning: All is well, eating beagles with cream cheese -  drinking water with elete - packing up my stuff - filling up my Camelback - stuffing all my pockets with my favored gels and bars and a bottle of elete, I was ready.  I buzzed around and acted more like a Bee then Eddy did in his great costume. Once the street filled up with lots of now familiar, smiling faces, I settled down. No more urge to go pee or rethinking my placement of bags in to the check point boxes. I eat a Hammer bar, downed a GU, and before I knew, we where off.  

It was unfortunate, that I fell right after the first turn in to the race. I was up before I knew what hit me (the pavement) and was under the impression that I will recover and all is well. (Why the heck did I fall in the first place?) I got picked up by a great pack and we cruised at a very nice speed up and down the beautiful hilly countryside of Georgia. After a while I had to let them go due to dizziness. This past over and I was invited to join an other train  (Blake, eebee and Co. that was great skating) but, soon had to force myself to get out and take it even slower. My vision started to get blurry and my body asked for attention. At the second water stop I picked up some pain killers, had my scratches disinfected (thank you volunteers) and then skated with a very kind, caring and fun loving group slowly to the 38 mile finish line, where I had to force myself to end the skate. What a disappointment. But at least I did not have to ride in the “DRAG WAGON”

Jesse Flores (I never met before) was at the 38 mile finish when I got there and right away took me under his wings. He made sure I stared eating/drinking the right things to recover as fast/much as possible. He stayed with me, even doe I was probably talking 100 miles/hr. and repeating myself. When we arrived in Piedmont Park (by bus) he let me use his sandals to walk to the finish line – where all my language was. What a great Guy!

 I ended up having Sunday night dinner with a few of the roadskater.net folks. Nice meeting you guys!!! Thanks for walking me back to the hotel.   

I did go for a check up - upon arriving in Canmore, Canada on Monday night – I was just not feeling right. It turned out, that it was the right decision not to go on after the 38 miles. I can’t remember hitting my head but I ended up with a light concussion besides all kinds of body carvings, and was told to stay in bed or on the couch for 2 days and no exercise for a WEEK. That did not sit well with me, but I followed the orders to speed up the overall healing and I think I am back on track.   

Would I try it again? Yes, Yes, Yes…ABSOLUTLY!  

Hope everyone got home safe. 

Take care