Packing for Lodi...

4 pairs of pink sox
1 pink Leopard Helmet
1 sub six pro specially set up for night riding
5 pairs of shorts
5 jerseys
5 pair of gloves
3 undershirts
3 chairs
32 tooth ring
1 tire ...

Packing for an endurance race is like getting ready for no other event. Now over the years I have done a number of these. I have to say they are amongst my favorite races to do. I've never done one solo, that's something that is still out there for me. May be not, I have to admit the team part of this kind of racing in my favorite The planning, the teamwork, the group working together is what I love best about 24hr racing.

Often I think it's in these events that I am at my best. Efforts are hard, efforts are measured, and for a period of time your only concerns are ride, eat, rest, repeat. It's awesome. You put yourself into some serious pain caves as Katie might say.

Over the years I have learned the key to having fun in these events, to doing well in these events, is preparation. Plan for the worst, bring things you never think you'll need, because in the middle of the night, you'll want them. Bring extra shoes, in case you break one, that happened to us once. Bring lots of sox, nothing worse than having to put on cold wet sox in the middle of the night. Bring warm clothes, and bring cool clothes. Watch the weather report, but don't trust it.

I am really excited for this weekend. I have been riding well, and anxious to get racing again. I know I'm not back to where I was pre-injury, but I am getting stronger each week.

Back in January when my back was so jacked up I wasn't sure I'd get to ride again; I circled this date on the calendar. Lauri, one of my closest friends, agreed to ride a duo with me. To be honest, I wasn't sure I'd get to race with her. We have Fitzy managing us. The guy is great, takes care of everything for you during the race so all you have to do is ride, eat, and rest. It makes me feel better knowing he is there...

However it ends up this weekend, getting here, to be able to do this event is a victory for me. I'll be excited to just jump on the bike at midnight and let 'er roll. More excited as it sounds like this will be a big single speed gathering. That will be cool too...

Social Ride
Had a nice ride tonight. Matt, Keith G (Bobby's Boy) and Alan the cleaner. This was Keith's first ride since he broke his hand. It's still not healed but the FS bike he was on helped to compensate. I had pictures but deleted them by accident. The pace was mellow, as I was riding really shy. I was tired, and had to keep the pace down. On the ride we stopped and talked to Bill S and the trail spinners, later bumped into Todd, Kid Chris and SS Dan too. SS Dan commented, " I wanted to do the slow ride" It was a good night. Great to see and ride with Keith again. I need to rest now.

Respect
fatmarc