Two days to go

Everything is starting to seem so real. Here is how my week has been since my last blog:

Monday: We had a 60 mile ride south headed to San Marcos. The stock tires most people still have on the bikes are not working anymore. We had numerous flats and several blowouts. I think there had to have been at least 20. Several riders had a flat and then later in the ride a blowout. So our 60 mile ride that should have taken 5 hours took around 6-7 hours. I however had Michael put on my brand new tires with tire liners and have been flat free so far. It was also the first ride we have had as a full team in a long time. It is really amazing to see all of us in our jerseys riding together, there are a lot of us and we demand attention. I am starting to understand why people are going to take notice of us this summer. After riding back into Austin we had to practice putting all of our bikes into the trailers, to make sure they will fit. We were out in the wonderful Texas heat for 8 hours and I think it took its toll on most.

Tuesday: We had a 40 mile ride out in west Austin which means there were a lot of hills. When riding large hills you have to shift most of your weight back onto the saddle, this causes very sore sit bones! The ride went well, we were all home around 1 pm when the temperatures were nearing 100 degrees. Our out of town riders are feeling the heat the most, they are not used to 90-100 degree weather. The two pictures above are from this ride, one of the team stretching at the tower before we departed and the other of me near the top of the first hill, I was working hard to make it to the top.

Today I am attempting to pack my duffel bag for the first time...this should be interesting. We are only allowed to have a 12" x 12" x 24" bag and everything has to fit in it except our sleeping bag and sleeping pad. I am looking forward to my departure, I think everyone of my teammates is getting tired of preparations. We are all anxious to get on the road!