Hi Alicia,
Welcome.
I've known Steve for a while, and what the HAMR means to him. As the challenge slowly grew from embryonic thoughts into a fully fledged endeavour, it got really exciting.
Then, at the start of the year, it seemed like there was going to be a nail biting challenge from a "new comer". Someone from the New World. From a one horse race, it turned into a competition.
Naturally I was "rooting" for Steve, but only in the cricketing sense (metaphors mixed). I wanted both adversaries to do well. Then when it became evident that 2015 was really only going to be Kurt's race, the audacity of your challenge meant that you and Kurt were the champions of long distance cycling.
As everybody acknowledges, your effort was a joint one. So congratulations to you both on a magnificent effort.
I've been one of those contributing to the debate about the where the mileage mark lies. As you know, each HAMR attempt is an individual effort that contains trials and tribulations unique to it. I hope you don't consider this trolling.
I haven't seen all the communication you have received over the year, but I have seen an outpouring of respect. I am really surprised that there have been "haters" aiming their barbs at you. That must have been awful.
I wish you and Kurt all the best, and thank you for your contributions over the year.
Mighty congratulations on your year.