Strong Finish

Last night I received an e-mail with the last segment of our "training-plan" toward Tucson. Only five more weeks of rides to complete before the big century.

I also realized I need to ask someone to fill in for me on Sunday, Nov 18th. They would probably like a few weeks notice, don't you think?

Because the Sundays I skip are few and far between, and only for the very best of reasons, I missed out on the big team ride this week. Sunday was Octoginta in Lawrence, an 80 mile ride with 800 some cyclists. Amy-teacher was smart enough to take a camera to the ride and has posted a little slide-show on you-tube. View it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkgQvvBReQs
See how smiley they all are? It must indeed have been a beautiful day.

Travis was nice enough to hold a "warm-up" ride on Saturday of 30 miles, to which I added another 20 solo to make for a decent long day this week. The only other person to show up on Saturday morning was Ed. I guess everyone else was excited about the chance to sleep in. I enjoyed riding around Wichita as a threesome, a different experience than the 12 to 15 we normally have.

During the ride I asked Travis about the rumor I heard that some TNT chapters only work up to a long ride of 60 miles prior to the century event, "do they make it to the end?" I wondered.
"Yea, they make it," he said,"but then they are dead for the rest of the day."
"You'll go rest for two hours and then want to come to the victory party."

So this month is not just about finishing the ride, I already believe I can do that. We rode 66 miles out to Lake Afton and back about two weeks ago. It was crazy windy and much of the team had bonked by mile 55. I was amazed, I could have gone longer. I am now confident I can make the 109 mile distance.

But this month's rides of 75, 80, 85 and 90 miles are about preparing to finish strong. Finishing and not hating every minute of the last 30 miles. Finishing and being ready to celebrate. Finishing and being thankful for the experience.

But before we get there I still need to ride today. And tomorrow. And...