A Sense of Confidence

I am now a full member of society (as they said at graduation on Sunday). I'm now fully engaged in preparations for my coming adventure.

I can proudly say that I have reached a new level of confidence. I have been rightly concerned about my trip across the country, until very recently. While there is of course still a tinge of nervousness, it is accompanied by great confidence. I have yet to embark on my 65-miler, but I have had some AMAZING shorter rides around town. Most recently, I have been loving the 3.8 mile loop around a nature preserve near my house. It's packed full of hills, gradual inclines, and flat streaks, which is great for training! I also have yet to go there without seeing wildlife, which always makes my day. A couple loops around is perfect ride in the morning.

On another note...I'm in love with my wonderful bike! I've been riding it for several weeks now and it feels great. I plan on taking it to my local bike shop to get it more accurately fitted, but so far it is great. And it's RED! I couldn't ask for more in a bike.

Soon to come: my packing list! (the most fun part of the trip :))

Nerves and Preparations

I have just about passed the 300 mark on mileage and while I'm well on my way towards 500, I do feel the nerves of the trip creeping up. I am pushing to get my speed increased, which has been frustrating. Once the trip begins we will all fall into a good rhythm I'm sure. The sheer magnitude of the trip is beginning to daunt me slightly. I know the team of 30+ people will all help to keep everybody going each day. I woke up this morning, sleep and bleary eyed, wondering how I could possibly get on a bike at this hour. After breakfast and packing, our bodies will surely warm up to the idea of pedaling all day. The first week will be a new experience.

I finally assembled my bike and love it! Bright red! My favorite! I started with a good 40 mile ride, which felt very good on the new bike. I am going to take it to a bike shop to get it more fitted to my body. Hopefully they can figure out a way to tilt the seat forward. I'm still trying to figure out how I will actually bike a whopping 65 miles. I know my body will hold up, but will my mind? I am still working on my mental ability to keep riding when my legs get tired. Fatigue definitely comes in waves and so it's all about pushing through until that next burst of energy.

I am compiling all of my gear and almost have everything I need. The bag is still in the works. I am leaning towards a big duffel bag. My final pair of bike shorts came in the mail yesterday and I'm set for jerseys. Unfortunately, my bike computer was smashed, so I will need to invest in another. I can't decide if I want to go wireless or not. My last one was wireless, but it was sometimes pretty touchy.

School is over, which is an amazing relief. I've been in school since 1995, when I started as a kindergardener. I have one final test and then it's over. The next month will be devoted to biking...everyday if I can, as far as I can. One thing I'm looking forward to this summer is the change of scene everyday. I'm so sick of the same routes and same bike path that I've been training on. Now that I have more time to bike, I will try to get out of the city and ride through the farmlands of Ohio.

I've got under 40 days to get it together. I think can do it, like the little engine that could.