Success!

Well, in keeping with my tradition started last year, I successfully completed my Livestrong Challenge ride. And once again, I was a long way from the first one to finish, but I was not the last person either. In fact, I believe I had a few more people behind me this year when I crossed the line than last year.

Our morning started out with the buses leaving at 5:00 AM to take us to Dripping Springs High School in the Texas hill country, the start and finish for the ride. The ride kicked off a few minutes late at 7:45 AM. I crossed the finish line a little before 3:30 PM. The volunteers were great and there were about 9 rest stops along the way.

The Texas hill country lived up to its name and the rolling hills alone would have been challenging enough, but add in the rough chip and seal pavement and the Texas winds, and the last few miles were a real fight. I did have one minor hiccup along the way. At about mile 8, we had a low water crossing that actually had streaming water running across the roadway. I slowed to cross but everyone started yelling to walk. Attempting to walk (at least at that point) was probably my key mistake. My front wheel was already in the water when I unclipped my left foot. As soon as the metal of my bike cleat hit the concrete, it was as if I was trying to plant my foot on ice. I went down, but only sustained a minor scrape and a knot just below my calf muscle. Fortunately, I did not take anyone else with me. So, up I got, a little damp, and continued on.

At this moment, Jana and I are delayed in the Austin airport. We have to connect through Dallas Forth Worth on to Orange County and there are thunderstorms in the Dallas Fort Worth area delaying flights. We'll get home eventually, but it may take a trip or two to the airport to round up the luggage and the bike. See you all soon and as always, thanks for your support.

We're Here!

Friday was a very busy day. Our morning started around 4:30 AM to make a flight to Dallas Fort Worth and then on to Austin. Shortly after arriving, we had our picture and autograph session with Lance Armstrong. Once that concluded, we were off to a private BBQ party at a wild game ranch with music by Jack Ingram. This was a really nice treat. The 400 acre wild game ranch has a lodge built for such occasions situated along the top of a hill with beautiful views across the horizon, especially so at sunset.
One thing that makes this ranch unique is the owners also own and run Texas Disposal systems and apparently have been noted for their green techniques in handling waste. On part of the land is the wild game ranch with all varieties of deer, elk, antelope, and even a giraffe! It was something to be driving in on the single lane road and watch elk, and deer bound across the fields.
Today, at 11:30 was our private ride with Lance, which is a great treat and his buddies from Six riding club did a great job helping everyone along. The ride started at a local restaurant and winery. The food was great as was the socializing. The picture above was taken during the brunch.
Tonight we are off to the appreciation dinner for all of the Austin participants who raised $5,000 or more along with all of the Ride for the Roses group. Then, tomorrow, the ride! The country side is beautiful, but the wind and rolling terrain are a little concerning. I've already told Jana to plan on socializing with friends all day because, I'll be on the bike...... ALL day!

How Hard can it Get?

Wow!  Packing my new bike has turned into a 3 ring circus.  Earlier this year, I purchased a Specialized Roubaix Pro bike.  The idea was to get back to a more traditional road bike from my flat bar road bike, which has become my commuter.  I knew the design of the Roubaix was different, but had no idea how difficult it would be to find a cased to pack it in.  The case I used last year with my flat bar bike, was a definite no go.  I searched and found another case at Performance, brought it home, and it is a no go as well.  As my last resort, I made contact with a local bike shop to rent their case.  It is a professional level case, which means it has plenty of room and should work.  The bad news is it is so large; it looks like I’m pulling a small coffin behind me.  I can only hope there is enough room in the PT Cruiser for the case, the luggage and Jana and me at the same time!  I’m glad I started to attempt the packing in advance.

 

The Week is Upon Us!

Well, as you can see by the photo, I am in the process of disassembling the bike and getting it ready for the trip. The good news is it looks like it will fit in my travel case. I was a little concerned as I have not traveled with this bike yet. I still have some creative packing and padding to do, but it looks like it is a go.

Training over the last few weeks has gone pretty well. I've managed quite a few rides in the 50 to 60 mile range, and one ride of 75 miles. My total for September was just over 500 miles of cycling which is probably my best ever recorded month. Granted, they were slow miles but they were miles. I should get another ride in this week by commuting in to work. Mainly, I need to focus on getting rest and stretching between now and the ride.

It promises to be a fun weekend with lots of activities. We should be getting a final itinerary sometime tomorrow. I plan to update this blog several times between now and the end of the weekend. Hopefully, there will be pictures depending on cell phone access and how quick we are with the camera. Thanks to everyone for your support! Check back soon!