Packing For the Trip

Hi.

In packing for the trip mywife Jeanne and I have included everyghting but the kitchen sink (well maybe it's in there somewhere). Seriously, thinking of the stuff we will need and the various lists, and the checking and re-shecking, it's no wonder they used to have the ad about "We forgot the baby!" We have many plastic containers full of food, pots and pans, exercise equipment (to keep in shape on our drive out to San Diego) and biking stuff. After checking our lists twice, and twice again, we think we now "got what it takes!"-at least for traveling. We are going to make a few stops to see friends and relatives: Jonesboro, AR; Plano, TX, and San Antonio, TX. My siblings had a little party for us Sunday to make sure we got enough good food before we left. We feel like we'll be gone for months, but of course we will. Anyway, the enthusiam and the jitters hit simutaneouly but our confidence is also building. I did some spin classes when it got cold this week working pretty hard. I also got some new bike gloves to protect the spots on my hands where pressure builds up. We are leaving tomorrow morning, bon voyage!

January Training in RI's great winter riding weather

Hi Folks,

Saturday, Jan. 7, I did 45 miles on one of the nicest days of the year (pun intended). It got up to 60+ degrees. After I did my usual 30 or so miles, I decided to keep on going. So I went from E. Prov. to Bristol, along the East Bay Bike Path, back to Barrington to Seekonk, Rehoboth then back to the Bike Path in Barrington and home to E. Prov. I was pushing it at 3 1/2 hours but it showed me that my envisioned pace of 50 miles per day is  pretty reasonable.

Sunday, Jan. 8, took a 5 mile walk with my wife Jeanne. I discovered new muscles for walking vs. riding but it was so nice to have someone to talk to while doing some moderate exercise.

Monday, Jan. 9, I did a 44 mile ride through Seekonk, Swansea, Rehoboth and into Dighton in 3 1/2 hours. I think that 40 degrees is about as low a temperature in which as I would like to ride. I also noticed that at about 30-35 miles I could use a break to help me resusitate my energy. I have been eating fruit and candy bars along with drinking fruit juice. It seems to work pretty well.  Biking is great fun especially when I get any kind of down slope. Zoom, zoom, zoom. Clearly the mountains of the Southwest are going to be much more of a challenge. Life is great. Praise the Lord!

Last ride of 2011

After getting newly fitted and my bike tuned up, couldn't wait to get out and test the road. The weather was comfortable in RI so I took the East Bay Bike Path to Bristol's Colt Park. The bike fit made a big difference in the feel and comfort of the ride. There was a slight headwind going out but I managed about 14 mph and did about 35 miles in 2 hrs, 15 minutes. I felt really good about spending the hundred dollars for the bike fit. I would recommend it to serious riders if you can find it discounted since it can cost up to$250 in some places.