4 weeks to go

 

4Weeks to go.  bags have been packed at least once, stuff is all over the floor, waiting for the final pack.  I put aero bars on the bike in anticipation of Kansas; this way I can stay low and not kill my forearms.  The bike came back from the shop, it needed nothing but they did update the software for the Di2 so that's cool.  I noticed my helmet was 8 years old so I ordered a new one, trek wavecell.  

The training isn't where I would like it to be so I'm altering things a bit.  lots of  1 minute sprints, 1 on, 1 off, sets of 10.  today I did a virtual race, 22 miles in an hour.  My legs are beat but it'll do them good....."shut up legs!!"  lol.

I probably lost a quart of water so I've been filling the water bottles all day.  that's about it, coming down to the wire.

Just the start of a Great Tour

 Hi.

So this is my third time on this rodeo; I'm cycling across America.  Again.  Some say I'm crazy, I say, "Not at all".  The first time I did it as a participant, the second time was as help with Crossroads, this time, I'm starting with Crossroads ( check them out on Facebook.  Crossroads Cycling ) and we're leading almost 30 people across the US.  In addition to this, I'm also raising monies for the American Cancer Society so it's a dual purpose ride.  Ok, I should say dual + purpose ride.  It's for me, for those fighting cancer, for those who beat cancer, for those who lost their battle with cancer, for Crossroads and for those who are realizing their dream of cycling across this great country of ours.  My arrival day is May 2 and the first pedal day is May 5 leaving California and arriving about 6 weeks later in Boston, Ma.  Time is short and I have a TON to do.  pack, nutrition, pack, train, pack..... you get the picture.  I sent the bike to the shop just to go over it from a professional standpoint.  I put new wheels on it ( Hunt) so those bearings are good and the wheels are set.  I had some issues with the bottom bracket ( water got in and rusted the bearings) so I replace the press in BB30 with a threaded Bracket from Token USA.  The tires are conti's gatorskin and new and the brake pads are KoolStop Salmon etc.  I don't think there's much left to do on it.

stay tuned, it gets more frantic as time draws short. lol.

One of the great things I've done in the past and I will focus on this time, was each morning, before we left for the days ride I would check with the hotel staff and ask if they have been affected by cancer; either themselves or a family member and if so, could I dedicate that days ride to that individual.  The response was mostly yes.  This year I will make that a daily question.  If you would like to go to my page with ACS the link is:

Riding Across America

Thanks for reading.

PhREd  :-)