Encinal training ride was wet and muddy yesterday! 2500 elevation; 20 miles; 2:45 minutes

Doug, Amy and I set out in the misty rain about 9:50 a.m. yesterday.   Lots of burning mud in my eyes, some wet branch nearly took out my left eye! -- other than that, we have a blast.   Amy and Doug were behind me on the first part of the climb and Amy was reminding me of the good practice it was for me.  In a race fast people may be behind me and want to get by, but I need to remember to ride at my own pace and pace it, not race it for endurance next Saturday.  It's their job to go around me!  I also decided to take off the seat dropper and took about a pound off my my bike.  This race is 80% climbing, so I am better off slowing down on the downhill and keep my bike light for the long climbs!  My tires add more weight, but I don't think changing to racing tires now would be smart since I have not been training with them. 



I am so excited about my family flying out to CA to support me.  Been in bed for hours crying over the whole emotional thing!  Never worked so hard at anything!!!!!! - well, possibly court reporting school was harder - But I will keep my eyes glancing at my red cap on my bike:  EASIER THAN CANCER!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you all for standing by me and believing in me on this one!!  Next Saturday is close!