Excited at the prospects of a light ride around town and a chance to stretch the legs out a bit the breakfast didn't matter too much. Next time I've got to remember to pack food better.
Before going out on the ride, we need to meet our 4th member of the team who was driving down separately in his own little version of torture. Something about canine flatulence, and a droning parent that makes 14 hours in the car seem unique.
I can tell he's glad to see us, and eager to get on the bike, just like the rest of us. But before then, we go to a local Pearl Izumi outlet, and I found alot of neat stuff, that was WAY overpriced for my taste. Gimme a $30 pair of cycling bib shorts anyday (thank you Canari and Sierra Trading Post). You can keep the 'really good deal' bib shorts for $120. Someday maybe I'll work up the nerve to drop that kind of bread on something as frivolous. But I probably won't be married to the person I am now, nor have control of my bowels by that point. But it was fun to drool.
Off we go, for packet pick-up and to put a limited number of miles in on the bikes. This was our first chance for all 4 of us to stretch our legs, feel the heat of the day, over-hydrate from having a dry mouth, and feel the allergies flare up. As we pull in to pick up packets from the Vetran's Memorial center I'm reminded why cyclists are so much fun. Not only do we all walk around in Spandex.... er Lycra I mean. We also all seem to have an unwritten understanding that we're all about to experience pain and suffering. TOGETHER.
This creates a strange sort of fraternity (or sorority) of middle aged college kids doing something big. It's like we're all part of a big thing. I dig it, instant friends.
We pick up our packets, and say goodbye to our fellow crazies, and take off back to the hotel. Time to start prepping the gear and getting nervous?
Last minute changes to the bike, remove the fenders, go through the saddle bag to remove broken open salt packets and Aleve gel tabs. Note to self: do not put gel tabs in a saddlebag again, big mess. Inspected tires for damage, looked over cables and derailleurs.
Watched "Breaking Away" a great classic of cycling I'm told. Good flick, check it out.
Packed the 40 scoops of Sustained Energy into ziplock baggies, randomized by Nuun tabs in the containers. Lemon-lime, BannanaNuun, Tri Berry, Orange Ginger, all random. 2 Tubes of Nuun. Forgot the Gels.... arg oh well, one less thing to worry about. I figure they'll most certainly have fruit at the rest stops if needed for simple sugars. Put it all away, and hit the sack with anticipation of a great next day. Sleep was quite easy, and didn't wake up at all during the night in anticipation, in fact I slept like a baby, a really tired... and well behaved baby... that dosn't wake up crying... all night....
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