Preparations

The ride departure is still a bit over three months away. Nevertheless arrangements by the support staff and riders are well underway. We have exchanged email introductions and pictures. Bubba has recruited and introduced the support staff.

As a rider I am atempting to overcome 'buyer's regret' and apprehension to ride a bicycle over such a long distance and duration. First I have increased regular rides from 2-3 times a week to almost daily to mirror the seven weeks of the cross country schedule. We will be riding 6 days with one day off each week. Second, I have included rides of a longer distance again to replicate the 64 mile expected average. My training included a three day weekend of rides (76, 66 and 62 miles) outside Charleston, SC. The ride routes included rest stops and lunch along the way as planned for the cross country routine. Third, I have found the riding and modification of how much and what I eat has led to a loss of weight equivalent to a bicycle. That's one less bike to drag across the country. The oncoming winter weather and other travel plans will interfere in the pace of daily rides but as least the preparations so far have contributed to a gain in confidence.

The next focus, and not one subject to the vagaries of weather, will be the accumulation of gear. Some will have to be purchased, such as additional biking shorts, and some will have to be uncovered at home, such as a sleeping bag. Bubba has sent us a useful suggestions such as name tags for our clothes and gear and a reminder that we do not need to be concerned about appearances on this trip.