Getting closer

The LIVESTRONG ride is just three weeks away. Today I went out for a long ride -- 71 miles, taking 4 hours and 37 minutes, covering all the major hills in the area -- Bald Peak, Mt. Home, Cooper Mountain, and Bull Mountain. Training articles say that a person can manage an event ride that is double the longest training distance, and to complete it comfortably, the longest training ride should be aournd 67 to 75% of the event distance. So I think I'm ready for the century.

I'll probably do one more long ride (in the 50-60 mile range) next weekend, and then the final week leading up to 9/25 will be a nice easy week. I'll do some bike maintenance stuff like change the tires (they're getting worn out), re-tape the handlebars, and maybe change the chain during the final week.

It seems to me that my descending skills have improved over the last few months. I'm getting much better at judging curves and going into them at a comfortable speed rather than too slowly or too quickly. I'm able to stay in the drops rather than sitting up to look ahead.

And I've discovered that the use of electrolyte replenishment capsules really help during long rides to prevent cramping. I use "Lava Salts" that I ordered from Performance Bike.

-Mark