States opened up so there was a glimmer of hope for an either late June or early July SS1K for me and a couple other riders, me helping my fellow riders click off a twisty course SS1K during a brief window of opportunity. I had reservations, but I put on my best game face for two other sportsbike riders.
The week before every SS1K ride, I told them, I do a 500 miler to prep myself. This year would be no different, simply because I don't take such a quest ride for granted even for myself. I impressed upon them that there is nothing easy about accomplishing one. They were onboard. We'd attempt a one-half SS1K at IBA pace, as a simulation.
But our attempt was a caviler joke to them. More than likely I don't see how we could have finished without literally pushing ourselves to the limit of risking injury unnecessarily. This was supposed to be fun, not an endurance test of wills.
I knew when we were headed back on our return leg that they didn't have what it took. A week later I queried the other two riders about their thoughts of going forward, hoping they'd decline. Reassuringly for my thoughts, their heads drooped. They were not going to attempt a SS1K this year, even with my help. I agreed.