A month to go............

Measuring Progress

Really long miles have been sparce this year.  My go-to has always been Monte Cristo, if not all the way to Woodruff.  At the top of Monte, I have to commit to the extra 20 miles down to Woodruff and the inevitable climb back.  It is a decision that has serious consequences. Last year I went into Woodruff something like ten times.  Twice where near disasters.  The very first time was very hot and windy.  I got caught halfway back down South Fork Canyon and bonked - HARD! With no cell service for a couple more miles, that was a serious dilema.  One other time, I got caught in a horrendous thunderstorm and had nowhere to go.  Another serious - way serious situation.  Today was my first time past Causey, going up SR39.  Altitude becomes a factor before you know it. All the way past Causey was windy - as in head-wind.  Usually this isn't the case.  This morning was overcast and threatening from the get go, with wind in my face along way up.  I could occasionally feel rain blowing in from two time-zones away, but was still determined to get over the top. About ten miles from the top, I was starting to feel serious fatigue.  Given predictable conditions, I'd still push into Woodruff. Today was too sketchy.  Windy all the way back into Huntsville, but not hot.  I stacked a few miles on for good measure, but was gassed by the time I headed for home.  I fought a head wind for the last nine miles. Needless to say, I was spent when I got home.  Enough for one day.

I've had problems with the bike this year.  A broken saddle-rail and post have made things a bummer.  I rode this morning with a setback post and Selle Itallia saddle.  I also changed from the normal hard cleats to a 6 degree float cleat.  That's a lot of changes for a full day long ride - or six hours, whatever it was.  I also swapped out the wheel-set for the DT Swiss, with the R3 tires.  A good move for the wind.  I'll need to get the bike back to my normal spec before I head over the top.  I'd like to do that sooner rather than later.

Fundraising is another issue.  The "team" is getting a little traction, which is encouraging, but I need to get personal donations lined up as well.  More on that later..............

I did get signed-up for the Cache Valley Century, a couple weeks out.  I have a lot to do between now and then.  For that matter, I have a ton to do between now and race day.

It all seemed like a good idea at the time............

It's gonna get busy.

Click here for a little motivation - worth the 10 minutes

Ride HARD!