It's already 8:45 PM. I should be sleeping! Even if you get in between 3-5 PM there is still so much to do and so little time. Here is some of the list - starting when you get off the bike:
The Elite Pac Tour Daily Process
Get your room key, tun on the AC, find your gear bag, drag it to your room, retrieve you bike from the racks that are set up by the trailers, mix and consume a recovery drink, clean and re-lubricate your chain, clean your water bottle (they probably had other stuff in them during the day), take your shower, retrieve your PC from the trailer, get your new maps ready for the next day, go eat a big meal, repair any punctured tubes (I've had two so far), layout your riding clothes for next day, clean your sunglasses, get a massage (I've had two in four days), log on to the PC, work on your blog (must also share time for Eric to work on his), brush your teeth, drink more water, go to bed, get up four times to urinate, get up at 4:45 AM (typical so far), apply sunscreen, apply chamois butter, be outside at 5:30 AM to eat (typically oatmeal, rolls, bagels, eggs (for day 5), fruit), pack your gear bag, load it at exactly 5:50 AM, start riding at 6 AM sharp (as determined by an "atomic" clock), turn the pedals about 51,000 to 72,000 times, take some pictures, eat and drink all you can, enjoy the scenery and conversation, sweat a lot, and repeat the process for 16 more days.
Today was day 4: Wednesday June 13. Globe AZ to Springerville AZ 144 miles with about 11,000 feet of climbing. I did well today. It felt like I was in my own element - climbing in war to cool air between 3,700 and 9, 260 feet. At least it wasn't flat and hot. Eric an I rode together all day and I was able to return the favor he did for me on day two - at least in part. He was not climbing as well as normal but we stuck together as much as you can in the mountains and hills. You can't help one another in the mountains like you can in the flat windy areas. You can at least keep making contact, stay nearby, encourage and make sure they are OK. Susan (one of the organizers) told him he needed to eat more.
In Springerville we are on the Arizona - New Mexico border. Great Mexican restaurent here. I am so full. Tomorrow we go to Socorro NM. About 150 miles and only 4,000 feet climbing. Until then - good night.
4 comments:
Hey Vern,
The trip so far looks like a lot of work and awesome scenery!
Stay cool and hydrated!
Suzan
Hey, Vern, you and Eric are looking good. The pictures are beautiful. Lots of people at work are rooting for you. Keep up the good work.
Catherine Peoples
Great posting again!
Its nice to know you get some flats even when your not riding with me. The morning ritual sounds like it might improve your efficiency off the bike! Just be sure to keep going with the updates as the trip look fantastic.
"Hi" to Eric also.
Vern,
I thought when my sons grew up I wouldn't worry about them so much. Apparently this is only true under "normal" circumstances. I'm really glad you and Eric are together. Is it true that misery loves company? Take care...I'm praying for the whole bunch of you extreme athletes!
Katherine
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