Gila Bend, Really?

After some discussion about the logistics of my Gila Bend ride this fall, I have decided to alter the rout slightly. Ok, a lot. It turns out that riding to Gila Bend isn't as big a deal as getting back. I had 2 choices. 1) ride back, or 2) have the fam come pick me up. I didn't really want to stay the night in Gila Bend and ride back and 200 miles in 1 day is out. In order for the family to come get me, it would require the kids to be cooped up in the car for 1-1/2 hours out and teh same back just to pick up their dad who got a bee up his butt to ride to GB.

So, a slight change in route was needed. I'm still going to ride a century (100 miles), just around the greater Phoenix area. I have posted my route on the right side of my blog page. If thereare any other crazy cyclists that would care to join me...misery loves company. I can offer room and board, a hot shower, relaxing in the spa afterwards, plenty of cold beer, and decent company. I'm planning to roll out on 9/26/09. Let me know, could be fun.

One year to go!

With the passing of this last weekend, my ride to Gila Bend is only a little over a year away. That gives me 1 year to:

• Get in shape enough to ride 100 miles in 1 shot
• Get my bike ready for such a ride
• Plan my route-Done!
• Get in shape enough to ride 100 miles in 1 shot

The get in shape part is listed twice because it's twice as important as the rest. I got a new saddle (seat) for my birthday and I'll need to get my but accustomed to it (literally).

Now that fall is here, officially at 8:44 this morning, the weather is cooling down enough to do lot's of riding! I will also nee dto make sure I ride enough next summer to maintain everything that I do this fall/winter. I can't wait to start!

Mid-Life Crisis?

Ever since Terri decided to do a triathalon earlier this year, I've been back on the bike to train along side of her. I had forgotten just how much I love riding. Since that fateful day in February, I have been obsessed with riding. It seems to be all I think about. I guess there are worse obsessions I could have.

While driving to San Diego, I caught myself evaluating the shoulders of the road for cycling. (they didn't look too bad). Wait a minute, I can't ride to San Diego. It's 300+ miles with some huge-assed hills! It would take at least 3 days to complete. Oh well.

Gila Bend! I could ride there! It's only about 90 miles and pretty flat. On the way home I pay closer attention to the road from GB to the house. This is completely doable. I ran the idea by Terri to see what she thought. "Is that a crazy idea"? "No crazier than me doing a triathalon" she said. Approval! Support! Sweet!

So, around my 40th birthday, I will ride! Should be fun & interesting at the same time.
Stay tuned for details...