Seriously busy on many fronts. I'm stringing a series of rides together this week. 45 miles yesterday, 100 +/- today, and another 65 tomorrow to gauge recovery time and how well I'm eating/drinking during and after riding. Other than the gusty winds, riding weather had been pretty good. New cycling vest made world of difference in keeping core warm.
Had visit with my cycle coach yesterday. Picked up some spare wheel spokes, a cycling cap w/visor to use under my helmet, bottle of electrolyte tablets, and some final tips and encouragement. The biggest challenge will be the first 4 or 5 days to see how I settle into daily routine. Again, refueling and rehydrating will be keys to success.
I had my bike shipped to LA last Friday after adding new tires and a rearview mirror. I just checked and looks like it's in Bloomington, CA. FedX should deliver it to the designated Bike Shop today.
Can't spend all day writing as I've got to hit the road. More frequent updates to follow.
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Five Weeks Out
Went for my first outdoor ride since last September's tumble on April 1st with new friends Chris and Charlie. It was cold and I only dressed in my Spring gear. Charlie insisted he lend me some leg warmers, vest, ear muffs, with hand and toe warmers. After a quick dash to Charlie's - a mile or so from our starting point - I was adequately bundled up and good to go.
Anxious to see how the indoor training translated to real riding glad to report my cadence was really improved. We covered a 50 mile route averaging about only 13+ MPH which is slower than my 15-16 MPH goal but with a few stops I count this as a good ride on a really cold day. Roads were in pretty good shape rain having washed much of the sand and snow aside. Some nasty potholes still demanded constant concentration.
Found I received 2 duffle bags and bike jersey from the tour operator when I got home from ride. Now I'm really psyched. Getting pile of gear set up in living room for a practice packing session. Limited to total of 30 pounds (15 per bag). Need to make final decisions on take / don't take items.
Deciding on how to set up my tech gear so I can capture ride stats, pictures, and continue to post blogs. Will run proof of concept tests with equipment next week. This is almost like working only fun.
Last thought. When I got out of the gym the other night, the moon hung brightly in a dark sky. It always gives me a sense of wonder. As I looked up I thought of the moon and chuckled as I said to myself "Now that's far."
Anxious to see how the indoor training translated to real riding glad to report my cadence was really improved. We covered a 50 mile route averaging about only 13+ MPH which is slower than my 15-16 MPH goal but with a few stops I count this as a good ride on a really cold day. Roads were in pretty good shape rain having washed much of the sand and snow aside. Some nasty potholes still demanded constant concentration.
Found I received 2 duffle bags and bike jersey from the tour operator when I got home from ride. Now I'm really psyched. Getting pile of gear set up in living room for a practice packing session. Limited to total of 30 pounds (15 per bag). Need to make final decisions on take / don't take items.
Deciding on how to set up my tech gear so I can capture ride stats, pictures, and continue to post blogs. Will run proof of concept tests with equipment next week. This is almost like working only fun.
Last thought. When I got out of the gym the other night, the moon hung brightly in a dark sky. It always gives me a sense of wonder. As I looked up I thought of the moon and chuckled as I said to myself "Now that's far."
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