Heading north

Today we leave for the Arrowhead.  The bike and bags are packed.  This is my third time up there.  The pugs weighs 55 pounds fully loaded--about 10-12 pounds less than last year.

Random thoughts:

Weather looks to be mild, but I will pack for everything.

It is fun hanging out for a couple of days with like minded individuls.

It is stressful leaving the wife, 4 kids and three dogs at home.


Major goals for the race:
1.) Finish
2.) Make it through without sleeping (have not done that yet)

Minor goals for the race:
1.) Make it Melgeorges (halfway) before dark.
2.)Make it to Crescent bar when it is still dark out


Plan
Steady pace, keep moving, keep eating, keep stops to a minimum.

Have a good weekend.

J-No

Cold Feet

Cold Feet--to suddenly become too frightened to do something you had planned to do, especially something important

I always have thoughts of self doubt.  Did I train enough?  Is my set up correct?  The thoughts always go away to replaced by excitement, but they are always there.

Last week I went out in below zero temps for only the second time this year.  After an hour and a half, my feet started to get cold.  This summer a mouse decided to build a nest in one of my winter boots.  I found a bunch of shredded paper in it this fall.  Not a big deal, except I found some of the insulation is missing this week.  New boots came today.  Same brand/size-Cabela's.  Warmer than my old ones.  I'll ride them this weekend, but I'm sure they will be fine.

Training has been going okay the last couple of weeks.  7-9 hours/week, usually spread out among 3 rides.  Last Sun I was able to meet up with Tri for 4 hours.  Long rides are more fun with others.  I look forward to group riding at AH and in training for trans-iowa.

Have a good week.

Profile of a Pugsley