Thanks to your constant exhortations, "DRINK!", I managed to stay fully
hydrated this year. Seriously, it is something I've been working on. I
must admit, I like those GU packets with the 4X sodium. I think they help a
lot. No more dehydration for me.
After you let your legs run, Paul looked at his computer and realized he had
a chance to finish with an average speed over 20mph. At that point, we
forgot about the idea of limping in, and instead rode a fast tempo to catch
up with you.
I was happy we finished together.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Seth Dillingham"
To: "TruerWords"
Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 1:46 AM
Subject: [tw] PMC 2006, Day 1: Sturbridge to Bourne, 112 Miles [Msg#5622]
[SNIP]
> This was the first time I'd seen Paul ride. I've been hearing about this kid's
> amazing stamina for most of the year. On a regular basis, he apparently rides
> his Dad into the ground without breaking a sweat, then throws Steve and his
> bike over his shoulders and rides them all home in time for dinner. I hadn't
> seen any of this for myself yet, but I'd heard the stories.
>
> The Science Behind Paul's Amazing Feats
>
> I would have mentioned this years ago, but Steve seemed to want it kept
> secret. Now, with his son's reputation growing like a weed, I feel it's time
> to let the public know.
>
> Steve has the mutant X-factor gene (think "X-Men") that gives him the amazing
> ability to dehydrate on demand. No, it's true! This explains all those times
> Steve has finished a ride and either made himself sick or actually put himself
> in the hospital because of dehydration. And those are only the ones "they"
> have let us know about. You can just imagine all the ones we haven't been told
> about.
>
> Normally (that is, hydrated) weighing about 200 pounds, with a fairly low
> body-fat percentage, he weighs only 70 pounds when fully dehydrated (that is,
> a big piece of beef jerky). His bike only adds a few pounds more. So his 130
> pound son is only carting home an extra 75 pounds or so, not a full 205+.
> Still impressive, certainly, but not miraculous.
>
> Oh, and Steve? Don't worry about him. He re-hydrates pretty quickly: just drop
> him in water. Throw him in the pool, or a tub, or hook up an IV (again), and
> he's good to go in just a day or two. Cool talent, huh?
[SNIP]
> His Dad eventually asked him if he was ready to go. "No, I think I'd like to
> rest awhile longer." Steve replied, "OK, well, I'll see you when you get
> there, then." Hah. The look on Paul's face was priceless. He actually
> believed, for a second, that his Dad was going to finish without him! I guess
> Paul's look made Steve feel guilty, because he admitted he was kidding right
> away.
>
> I was still feeling good, and Steve and Paul were planning to "limp in"
> (Steve's words), so I let my legs run. With less than ten miles left, I
> figured I wasn't likely to burn myself out too much if I pushed it a little..
> except I ended up having to stop *completely* for some road work (brush
> clearing), and we all finished the day together anyway. (Which, I suppose, is
> as it should be.)
