Starting to feel pre-trip jitters more strongly. Maybe it was just the four cups of coffee at iHop this morning. Yet another speed bump at Pharmacy. When I picked up scripts I found they only filled order for a 30 day supply. Yes I need 60. They said they'd call to get an Insurance override so that meant another trip later in the day.
Got another "Tips" email from the tour operator recommending "cleat guards" for bike shoes for walking around while taking our lunch stops. Went to local bike shop on way home from 1st trip to drug store. My clerk there thought they had some for my cleat style (Speed Play) but couldn't find them while rummaging through several under counter drawers. He asked me to let him keep looking and he'd give me a call. Went home with two strikes and low expectations.
Decided to continue making packing piles. Organized bike vs street clothes, on-bike vs off-bike tools. Lots of trips up and down stairs, out to garage and back so it was all good anxiety displacement exercise. Tried on the arm warmers I bought in the winter only to find they fit really "snug" (cut-off-circulation-in-arms snug).
Figured it was a good time for another drive to drug store to see if pills were ready. Success there. Jazzed, I decided to hit up the bike shop on way home and Bingo - they found the cleat guards and had large size arm warmers. All just minor speed bumps.
Ended the day with having packed most of gear but figure I need to re-evaluate my in-bag organization in morning to see if it makes sense after a good night's sleep.
Getting Will notarized tomorrow, haircut, then maybe a Spin class to round out the day.
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Saturday, May 2, 2015
.....8.....
Last minute details falling into place.
I've been following emails from other riders about the challenges they've had getting their gear to fit into two duffle bags weighing no more than a total of 30 pounds. One rider asked if he could borrow another rider's 1.4 spare pounds. Reminds me of companies trying to buy/sell Carbon credits.
I've got the recommended 2.5 gallon Hefty Zipper bags used for compartmentalizing duffle bag contents and picked up some clothes pins for "in-room" laundering along the way. Managed to get my Will and Health Proxy done (Legacywriter.com is awesome) and will run out to Triple-A on Monday for Notary and witnessing services. My partner is much relieved.
Other than hunting for some Handi-Wipes and Lip Clear Invisible Bandages (no dice) and taking dog for walk, I've been taking it easy today. We cruised out to our favorite lunch spot and I caved in for the awesome BBQ ribs. As usual, order was so big had take half the order home...hey, just trying to bulk up... Felt funny not being on my bike for half the day but it was a good change. Serious packing exercise and weigh-in tomorrow. Nice phone calls with both sister and brother brightened my early afternoon.
Just took dog out for his evening stroll round the back yard and looks like another spectacularly full moon tonight. Yet again, as it floated in and out behind some clouds I still smiled to think how far away that rock is. In just a week from now I'll be getting some shut eye before the serious pedaling begins. Gulp.
I've been following emails from other riders about the challenges they've had getting their gear to fit into two duffle bags weighing no more than a total of 30 pounds. One rider asked if he could borrow another rider's 1.4 spare pounds. Reminds me of companies trying to buy/sell Carbon credits.
I've got the recommended 2.5 gallon Hefty Zipper bags used for compartmentalizing duffle bag contents and picked up some clothes pins for "in-room" laundering along the way. Managed to get my Will and Health Proxy done (Legacywriter.com is awesome) and will run out to Triple-A on Monday for Notary and witnessing services. My partner is much relieved.
Other than hunting for some Handi-Wipes and Lip Clear Invisible Bandages (no dice) and taking dog for walk, I've been taking it easy today. We cruised out to our favorite lunch spot and I caved in for the awesome BBQ ribs. As usual, order was so big had take half the order home...hey, just trying to bulk up... Felt funny not being on my bike for half the day but it was a good change. Serious packing exercise and weigh-in tomorrow. Nice phone calls with both sister and brother brightened my early afternoon.
Just took dog out for his evening stroll round the back yard and looks like another spectacularly full moon tonight. Yet again, as it floated in and out behind some clouds I still smiled to think how far away that rock is. In just a week from now I'll be getting some shut eye before the serious pedaling begins. Gulp.
Friday, May 1, 2015
...10....9.... days to takeoff
Trust but verify. Why don't I take my own advice? You know what I'm talking about. Something sounds too good to be true or just way too easy...
Called insurance company last month asking about getting approval for advance on prescriptions for 7 weeks. Nice guy just said to go to pharmacy tell them I need vacation supply and they'd call Insurance Company for approval. Cool. That sounds easy.
Went to Drugstore last Monday to order "Vacation" prescriptions - enough for the 7 week trip and clerk said I was asking too early and need to come back on Friday....Hmmm...really? (Why didn't I ask to speak to the Pharmacy Manager? I'm usually not that guy but starting to think maybe I should be.)
Went to the pharmacy today (Friday) and was told by different clerk I needed to have Dr. call in a 90 day order. That's a new story. Have you tried getting in touch with three Drs on a Friday afternoon? Just small speed bump. One Doc was great, called it in right away, One was off today - will be in on Monday - Secretary will see what she can do, (fair enough) and the third office was just closed until Monday. So I have a little list of last minute details to take care of.
Not the end of the world and figure I'll get it ironed out by Tuesday before I leave on Wednesday.
Not related to cycling just another interesting pharmacy related thing...just happened yesterday. Friend went to pick up a script at same pharmacy- $200 for 1 month supply. "No thanks." Went back to Dr and was told to try Wal-Mart for generic. Generic version sold there for $10. Fact. Wow. I'm not endorsing the mega store but again, wow.
Oh yeah, biking...
Determined a new favorite 50 mile loop with 4,000' of climbing. Did it twice this past week. It was part of refining my drinking and fueling needs. Felt good after each ride because of setting 15 minute timer on my bike computer to remind me to drink/eat. But I do need some more work there. Realized I need to figure out a better way of eating while riding. Mechanically speaking I'm really awkward at digging in back pocket for baggie of GORP (Good Old Raisins and Peanuts), opening zipper baggie and then digging out handfuls and popping in mouth. I leave more on the road than in my mouth.
Not anxious to take another tumble after breaking clavicle last September.
Starting to hear from family & friends asking me when I leave and wishing me well. Some friends already asked me to reserve seats at the post ride banquet in June. They're driving up to Boston from CT. Good guys they are. I have a bunch of calls yet to make. Yoga instructor gave me some suggestions for post ride poses today (Filed it for future use). Next on the agenda after this post is to draft will and medical proxy. Just being practical. It's not morbid just something I should have ready. Actually, Med proxy is done Just have to find copy.
Got list of the other riders names and birthdays from the tour operator. Guy from Scotland, another from New Zealand, and another practically next door in Wethersfield, CT maybe 35 miles from me. Mixed group of folks and we've been posting pictures in our bike gear and street clothes with short bios to a shared email list. Having fun already.
Called insurance company last month asking about getting approval for advance on prescriptions for 7 weeks. Nice guy just said to go to pharmacy tell them I need vacation supply and they'd call Insurance Company for approval. Cool. That sounds easy.
Went to Drugstore last Monday to order "Vacation" prescriptions - enough for the 7 week trip and clerk said I was asking too early and need to come back on Friday....Hmmm...really? (Why didn't I ask to speak to the Pharmacy Manager? I'm usually not that guy but starting to think maybe I should be.)
Went to the pharmacy today (Friday) and was told by different clerk I needed to have Dr. call in a 90 day order. That's a new story. Have you tried getting in touch with three Drs on a Friday afternoon? Just small speed bump. One Doc was great, called it in right away, One was off today - will be in on Monday - Secretary will see what she can do, (fair enough) and the third office was just closed until Monday. So I have a little list of last minute details to take care of.
Not the end of the world and figure I'll get it ironed out by Tuesday before I leave on Wednesday.
Not related to cycling just another interesting pharmacy related thing...just happened yesterday. Friend went to pick up a script at same pharmacy- $200 for 1 month supply. "No thanks." Went back to Dr and was told to try Wal-Mart for generic. Generic version sold there for $10. Fact. Wow. I'm not endorsing the mega store but again, wow.
Oh yeah, biking...
Determined a new favorite 50 mile loop with 4,000' of climbing. Did it twice this past week. It was part of refining my drinking and fueling needs. Felt good after each ride because of setting 15 minute timer on my bike computer to remind me to drink/eat. But I do need some more work there. Realized I need to figure out a better way of eating while riding. Mechanically speaking I'm really awkward at digging in back pocket for baggie of GORP (Good Old Raisins and Peanuts), opening zipper baggie and then digging out handfuls and popping in mouth. I leave more on the road than in my mouth.
Not anxious to take another tumble after breaking clavicle last September.
Starting to hear from family & friends asking me when I leave and wishing me well. Some friends already asked me to reserve seats at the post ride banquet in June. They're driving up to Boston from CT. Good guys they are. I have a bunch of calls yet to make. Yoga instructor gave me some suggestions for post ride poses today (Filed it for future use). Next on the agenda after this post is to draft will and medical proxy. Just being practical. It's not morbid just something I should have ready. Actually, Med proxy is done Just have to find copy.
Got list of the other riders names and birthdays from the tour operator. Guy from Scotland, another from New Zealand, and another practically next door in Wethersfield, CT maybe 35 miles from me. Mixed group of folks and we've been posting pictures in our bike gear and street clothes with short bios to a shared email list. Having fun already.
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Countdown begins....11 days to start date
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.
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.
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."
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
7 Week Countdown
Seven weeks from today I'll be boarding the plane to LA. There's now a large map on wall in the breakfast nook that traces the route from LA to Revere Beach (Thanks, Mike!). I stare at it while eating my oatmeal and ponder....Man, it's a long trip.
The tour operator has been sending weekly emails consisting of training tips, favorite products and tools to consider, and an essay on her first cross country tour. It's intent is to encourage us and keep us motivated to keep training. It's working.
I'm now getting focused on compiling lists of things to do.
-Order shipping box for getting bike to LA
-Set up Bill payments for when I'm away
-Coordinate prescriptions for two month supply prior to departure
-Compile Email list of contacts
-Get fitted for new helmet (Smashed my other one in crash last September, broke clavicle)
-Get fitted for new shoes (starting to get hot foot in training. No. Not good)
Equipment:
-New tires / spare tubes / patch kit / CO2 cartridges
-Estimate in-ride and recovery nutrients. (Chewy vs Gels)
-Clothing- bibs, jerseys socks, arm/leg warmers/coolers, rain gear, jacket.
-Chamois Butt'er
-Check battery sizes and get new for Heart Rate Monitor, Speed Cadence sensors
-Test portable power-rechargers for cell phone and bike computer
-Test Bike Lights
-120 to USB connectors for daily recharging
I could go on but this is just a start.
In last two weeks I was able to set up a trainer in the attic and have spent 20 plus hours running drills recommended by my coach. Set up a TV with DVD and have been running through some old movies and a season of The Simpsons - a guilty pleasure. The final 4 indoor class training sessions started last night. Depending on weather and if snow banks continue to recede, Coach may take us out for road ride the next two Saturdays. I can't wait to see how I'll perform after the winter training program. Stay tuned for update.
My concern now is the foot issue I mentioned above. In last night's training I really noticed a hot foot issue I'd been ignoring. The ball of my right foot really began to burn so much that I had to stop pedaling in the middle of a drill to reposition my foot. Worse, favoring that foot made me overcompensate using left leg so I started feeling a shin strain. Coach believes its a shoe issue so we'll see what a new shoe does and if spraying Icy Hot on shin prior to riding alleviates the shin issue. Just a problem to be solved. Still optimistic.
The tour operator has been sending weekly emails consisting of training tips, favorite products and tools to consider, and an essay on her first cross country tour. It's intent is to encourage us and keep us motivated to keep training. It's working.
I'm now getting focused on compiling lists of things to do.
-Order shipping box for getting bike to LA
-Set up Bill payments for when I'm away
-Coordinate prescriptions for two month supply prior to departure
-Compile Email list of contacts
-Get fitted for new helmet (Smashed my other one in crash last September, broke clavicle)
-Get fitted for new shoes (starting to get hot foot in training. No. Not good)
Equipment:
-New tires / spare tubes / patch kit / CO2 cartridges
-Estimate in-ride and recovery nutrients. (Chewy vs Gels)
-Clothing- bibs, jerseys socks, arm/leg warmers/coolers, rain gear, jacket.
-Chamois Butt'er
-Check battery sizes and get new for Heart Rate Monitor, Speed Cadence sensors
-Test portable power-rechargers for cell phone and bike computer
-Test Bike Lights
-120 to USB connectors for daily recharging
I could go on but this is just a start.
In last two weeks I was able to set up a trainer in the attic and have spent 20 plus hours running drills recommended by my coach. Set up a TV with DVD and have been running through some old movies and a season of The Simpsons - a guilty pleasure. The final 4 indoor class training sessions started last night. Depending on weather and if snow banks continue to recede, Coach may take us out for road ride the next two Saturdays. I can't wait to see how I'll perform after the winter training program. Stay tuned for update.
My concern now is the foot issue I mentioned above. In last night's training I really noticed a hot foot issue I'd been ignoring. The ball of my right foot really began to burn so much that I had to stop pedaling in the middle of a drill to reposition my foot. Worse, favoring that foot made me overcompensate using left leg so I started feeling a shin strain. Coach believes its a shoe issue so we'll see what a new shoe does and if spraying Icy Hot on shin prior to riding alleviates the shin issue. Just a problem to be solved. Still optimistic.
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Eight weeks before departure...
February was a rush of activity. Mid-month, on Friday the 13th, after nearly 30 years, I turned over my current office responsibilities to my successors and said good-bye to a company I've been proud to be associated with for a long time. Although leaving was hard, it was a good time to go. Had great fun compiling a list of people I encountered over those years with two other folks that have been there with me nearly as long - since 1985. The list was long and full of lots of laughs and some sighs, too. It's true. It's the people that give a company its spirit and sense of humor...
So what about the biking? Starting back in the first week of December, I started a Winter Training program for cyclists offered at a bike shop I support. I didn't know it at the time but it's exactly what I was looking for to help me prepare for my trip in May.
There are between 8 and 12 of us in each class depending on weather/work-life commitments. We each have our own bike set up on a trainer with a rubber mat and individual fans. Over the course of 90 minutes twice a week, our coach runs us through a series of drills. It was a 13 week commitment and this week is our final week.
Never having participated in any sport specific training before now, I'm surprised by what I was able to learn relative to pedaling efficiency, body positioning, nutrition and hydration. The classes have been progressively tougher each week. Using a heart rate monitor and bike computer, I learned how to use the data on my cadence/RPMs, heart rate and calories expended. Really can see the improvement since our first classes back in early December. (I never thought I could get my legs to spin that fast.) Although we had to reschedule 3 Monday classes to a Saturday morning due to the unending snow, I haven't missed a single one.
A couple weeks ago I talked to the coach about my goals for the spring ride because I was concerned that I might lose some of the skills I've built up before I can actually get outside. He decided I should add an hour on the the start of our last 5 classes. That's a long time riding. He also heard the same concern from others in our group and decided to offer an additional 2 weeks of "Endurance" sessions to the Winter Training group participants. Very cool.
So although tomorrow is my final "Winter Training" session, I'm set for 4 additional two and a half hour training days over the next three weeks. There's also a bonus Saturday classes, so I'm likely going to pick up those, too. Still lots of work to do.
With only 8 weeks left.... Should start outside training soon....Can't wait!
So what about the biking? Starting back in the first week of December, I started a Winter Training program for cyclists offered at a bike shop I support. I didn't know it at the time but it's exactly what I was looking for to help me prepare for my trip in May.
There are between 8 and 12 of us in each class depending on weather/work-life commitments. We each have our own bike set up on a trainer with a rubber mat and individual fans. Over the course of 90 minutes twice a week, our coach runs us through a series of drills. It was a 13 week commitment and this week is our final week.
Never having participated in any sport specific training before now, I'm surprised by what I was able to learn relative to pedaling efficiency, body positioning, nutrition and hydration. The classes have been progressively tougher each week. Using a heart rate monitor and bike computer, I learned how to use the data on my cadence/RPMs, heart rate and calories expended. Really can see the improvement since our first classes back in early December. (I never thought I could get my legs to spin that fast.) Although we had to reschedule 3 Monday classes to a Saturday morning due to the unending snow, I haven't missed a single one.
A couple weeks ago I talked to the coach about my goals for the spring ride because I was concerned that I might lose some of the skills I've built up before I can actually get outside. He decided I should add an hour on the the start of our last 5 classes. That's a long time riding. He also heard the same concern from others in our group and decided to offer an additional 2 weeks of "Endurance" sessions to the Winter Training group participants. Very cool.
So although tomorrow is my final "Winter Training" session, I'm set for 4 additional two and a half hour training days over the next three weeks. There's also a bonus Saturday classes, so I'm likely going to pick up those, too. Still lots of work to do.
With only 8 weeks left.... Should start outside training soon....Can't wait!
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