Training

Last night I did the Oregonia Hills workout with Aaron. We didn't talk much. Sometimes we can't. It is a thirty mile workout with a series of twelve hills, 2500 feet of elevation gain. It can be a bit daunting and sometimes lonely. I pass houses and look into their naked front window; I watch T.V. for a brief second and wonder what they are watching or talking about. What they are eating for dinner. I look into cars as they pass us and wonder where they are going. I am sure they wonder what we are doing. Aaron and I often laugh about the " WTF... slow down moment". As the driver comes around the corner and encounters our tail lights or head lights we can hear the engine pause just as the driver does. I bet they think we are crazy or something.
It is however, a beautiful thing riding at night. We get to listen to Great Horned Owls, see the springs' first wood frogs and quess what is in the woods near by rustling up and away. Sometimes deer run with us for a brief moment before darting across the field or across the road in front of us. Once I had a fox run with me for four or five strides before darting in front of me and across my path.
When the ride is over we get to go home to our warm kitchens and devour anything that does not move. Last night it was two chicken breasts, three bowls of cereal and lots of almond butter. I wanted ice cream.

Rules of the Road

The Tour Divide has a set of stringent rules we must follow. Compliance is strictly "On your Honor".

We are bound then, by honor only, to follow these rules.

Tour Divide Rules ( In summary.)

1. You may start your race at any time though there is a Grand Depart on June 15th.

*All attempts are to be solo, self timed, and self supported. It is tolerated to ride

together though no drafting is allowed.

* The race clock will run non-stop after starting the race.

2. Riders must ride un-supported between towns and function self supported in towns.

* No private resupply, no private lodging. All assistance must be commercially available

to all riders. Outside private assistance with navigation, lodging or resupply is prohibited.

( No cookies in the mail.)

* No visitation of any sort from friends or family during the race.

3. Riders must advance forward on the course under their own pedal power. No sails, or other

contraptions. No moving forward on the course in a motor vehicle to gain supplies or parts.

4. The Tour Divide is a Web-administered do it yourself challenge. There is nothing to win or

lose but honor.

* No checkpoints or officials on the course.

* On-line GPS tracking is used for validation of course compliance.

* There is no mechanism in place to communicate to riders on the course

We will have Spot Trackers with us, therefore friends and family will be able to follow our progress in the race on-line. Cindy will keep the blog up-dated as well.

Fun huh?

The Secret of Success

Sara and I talk about the ride constantly. We try to cover everything. Not just gear, maps and mileage but maddening moments as well.

I have realized one thing..... I'll need a secret pocket.

It won't have to be big but it will have to be readily accessible. I think it will have to be at least 4 inches long and 3 inches wide. I can't lock it. A lock would slow the emergency response. It can't be deep in the pack for the same reason. It can't be big because I don't want to rely on it too much; that would cause me to be lazy and bad behavior would result. But I have to have it.

Sara will too. She'll need to use hers as well. And the same rules apply - quick access, not to deep and not to big.

And it will have to carry..... chocolate.

Fifty is Nifty

Who knew! Who knew being old could be cool?

Well actually, at times, minutes at a time, it can be very hot. I have often said race directors should add a new category of racers called " Women with hot flashes". I'm telling you, it is a new experience; while racing suddenly you become hotter than a stove top coil on high. You know... your blood begins to "boil", your tolerance level for your teammates goes way down and all you want to do is lay down naked in the nearest body of water whether it be in a deep ditch or a muddy puddle.

It is hard to explain to others who do not experience this. I myself used to make fun of women who, for no apparent reason, ripped off their outer wear, stretched their arms away from their body, grabbed a piece of newspaper, a book , or any other available "fan" and began using it, wildly. And then with less apparent provocation than before; put everything back on.

Sara just laughs at me when I say I should get special compensation for my age.

She'll find out.

Dayton Daily News Article

Dayton Daily News published an article today about Tracy and Sara's ride,
check it out:

  Dayton Daily News Article

The article focuses on Tracy being old. :)

Also, check out this site which is a site dedicated to long distance hiking.

  http://thetrailhead.ning.com/

Bridesmaids

That is what we are watching tonight while we train. We are far from bridesmaids ourselves. We are more like bike maids or bike slaves, but really, we are slaves to this dream. Sara and I compare our night dreams. Mine usually include a bear and a crushing sensation either on a leg or my torso. Sara's often include riding, riding and more riding ... and a crushing sensation.
We are excited to say the least. Sara is reading the story about Jill Homer in "Be Brave, Be Strong: A Journey Across the Great Divide. Jill is the record holder for the womens division of this race. ( Less than ten women in the world have completed this race.)
I am still sleeping with the window open, practicing being out in all kinds of weather, but staying inside when it rains. I figure I do not need to practice that yet. Right?

4 Months To Take Off

So, today is Feburary 1st. We have four months until we turn the crank for the first time of many, many, times on the Tour Divide. The weather has been mild this winter so Sara and I are already outside on the bike training. We are planning on, counting on, Saturdays and Sundays where we meet you guys for a part of our miles on the bike, eat lunch, and head out for more. Don't worry... we will be loaded down and be on fat tire bikes. We don't need to be fast, we just need company. Your company.