My preparations
As for my Tour Divide plans: I’m counting the days down: 12 TO GO!!! Equipment is 90% finalized; flight tickets, Calgary-to-Banff transfer and 1st night hostel (YWCA) are set. I will take a few more test rides and pack my bike next week.
In 2007, I easily averaged 80-90 miles of riding in a day. That was with a heavier equipment and not a very strict “waking-up” record;) My old Cannondale F400 and Salsa Fargo weigh about the same. But I will carry less stuff for sure this time. Moreover, my stuff will be distributed better (inside a frame bag vs. on a rear rack), I will have aerobars for more relaxing body position and Salsa is a 29″ bike with bigger wheels and just better fit overall. I will also “try” to get rolling by 6:00am every day. Plus, I used to hang in towns and cities too long which I can cut shorter now without stressing myself much…
Preparation-wise, in the last year I had more base miles under my belt (over 2,000) and was about 8 lbs lighter. This year is a bit different. I didn’t get as much opportunity to ride but I was still active. In the first few days, I will take it easier and let my joints and tendons get used to the daily stress of big mile riding. I’m planning to average between 100-120 miles per day (or about 10-12 hours in a saddle). The most important things is not to over-stress my body and cause early injuries, knees mostly. The rest will be fine. Anyways, this ride is much more about mental grittiness and positive mindset than anything else.
My goal is to finish in less than 34 days which is about twice the current route record. Also, my flight back to NYC is on August 21st;) I’m loosely shooting for doing it a bit faster: around 28-30 days. I will definitely know better after the first week, where my “fast-touring” legs will be. I still want to have fun doing it, take some decent pictures and videos and see the complete route. So, the crossing of the Marshall pass above Salida will be a ride into an unknown;) But my ultimate goal for 2009 is TO FINISH THE TOUR DIVIDE!!!
PS: And I certainly hope for better weather. This rain has to stop one day, for crying out loud!!!
