Our annual tradition continues. Rick, Geoff, and I ready for another go at the rugged course at Donner Lake. This year, Kim joined us, and we enjoyed a more civilized dinner; Kim made some excellent sauce and veges, and we BBQ'd some good meat (forget Taco Bell!). All the better to get into our bellies before the next morning's race. Another feature - we had smoke to worry about, as large wildfires were burning north and south of us. However, the winds were favorable and kept the smoke mostly east. It didn't bother our race.

We rented a house in the neighborhood just a few blocks from the race start. Saturday afternoon, after race check-in, we enjoy a cold brew and relaxation out front.

Who's got the best bike? Well, OK but who's got the most classic and colorful bike? YEAH!

What's wrong with this picture?

Watching the end of the Tour de France is always a classic enjoyment of Donner Weekend.... but no cable TV in our package. So we improvise and watch on Rick's iPhone. Thank God my astronomer's sharp eyes are still good.

Early the next morning, our warriors prepare to bike to the race start

Ferrell gets Geoff straightened out on the in's and out's of the transition sequence

Racers stretch and preen before getting on their wet suits. The fire smoke made for a soft sunrise

Got a prime spot on the rack closest to the bike-in/out

Last shot before getting suit'ed up. My swim went well, so did Rick's. He nipped me out of the water, alas.

Starting the long climb up to Donner Pass

Donner Lake, where I swam just a few minutes earlier

Well exposed, but totally blurry - let's turn it into a watercolor and call it... ART!

The iconic Donner Pass Bridge up ahead

Down the western slopes, past Kingvale, is the bike turn around. Now, white knuckle's relaxed a bit as I head back up hill, I can squeeze off another one-handed shot

I don't think there's any triathlon run course I have so many bad and painful memories as at Donner Lake's 10K. Decades of 'em. My left hip psoas does not like this course. So I skipped taking any memory-makers. Here I am finally getting to the finish line. Blurry! So turn it to a watercolor again

I arrive to cheering throngs (well, a few anyway)

Dynamic Duo. Ferrell had been in for a while now, looking all clean and fresh.

Buzz Lightyear! Once again, he'd won the contract to do the race timing. Great work, Buzz.

I scared away any other competition for 3rd Place in my Age group. Good enough for this fine tumbler.