I was warned early on that the Big Ride Pacific Coast was going to be one hilly trip. When I wrote my fundraising letter, I mentioned that there would be thousands of feet of climbing but I initially thought the total would be in the range of 15,000 to 25,000 feet. But I've just learned that the total feet of climbing will be closer to 42,000 feet.
That's definitely hilly.
Yet, I am really looking forward to those hills. The climbs will provide majestic views of the coast and there should always be a sea breeze to keep the conditions just right. Besides, a great climb means the reward of a great downhill. When I lived in California, I used to go on day rides that covered 8,000 to 12,000 feet of climbing. Of course that was when I was younger and I only hope that my training this summer has prepared me for the hills of the Pacific coast.
I'll find out in less than two weeks.
After many months of fundraising for the American Lung Association of Washington, I am proud to announce that I have received over $3,000 in donations from family members, friends and colleagues. I want to extend a really big thank you to everyone who has made a donation. Your donation is going to a great cause and it has been a great motivator for me to not to slouch off in my training this summer. As of today, I have ridden well over 1,100 miles since I rode up Cadillac Mountain five times in May.
Thank you again for your contributions and words of support. Stay tuned to this blog for trip updates and photos. Since I work in the development offices of a small private liberal arts college, I have learned well to remind those who have expressed interest in making a donation, you still have plenty of time. I can accept donations until September 30.
Sayonora for now.
On Friday, as I was compiling an interactive trip itinerary with Google maps displaying each day's route, it occurred to me that I am going to be riding a lot of miles. Duh, I knew the Big Ride Pacific Coast was going to be a 1,000 miles and this really did not faze me. Even when I had learned that this ride is considered more difficult (endless hills) than the Big Ride Across America, which is 35 days longer, I was like, "no problem". When I realized that we would be riding for a stretch of six days straight for a total of 490 miles, which includes one 91 mile day, I was like, "am I ready for this?"
To calm my nerves, I have to remember that during this trip all I will be doing is eating, riding, eating, riding, eating and sleeping while taking in the beautiful scenery of the Pacific coast. I have from 8 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon to finish each day's ride, which is plenty of time to cover an average of 70 plus miles. The weather should be near perfect for September and although I am not certain, I don't think I will be swarmed by many bugs. Then there will be the bakeries with their delicious hot chocolates, croissants and bear claws and I am so looking forward to the day when I can go to the Tillamook cheese factory. This is one the west coast delicacies that I truly miss since I left California and it makes the best east coast cheese seem so ordinary. Best of all, in the end, I'll be on vacation where my riding schedule will not be impacted by mundane chores like mowing the grass, going to meetings or cleaning house.
Yes, I think I am ready, especially when I am riding 150 miles per week now. You can view my interactive itinerary here.
Wow! It's August 9th and its hard to believe that in one month I will be riding down the Washington coast towards San Francisco. I have a ton of things to complete at work, around the house, getting my gear ready and lastly and most importantly, training. I have learned that I am the type of person who will create lists but in the long run, ignore them. Not this time. I have sworn to be diligent in creating detailed lists and completing the to-do's as quick as possible. So far so good.
I have been averaging of 130 miles per week for the last couple of weeks. This weekend I am going to attempt to ride 70 miles (with a lunch break) in one day. That should put me up to 150 miles this week for the first time this summer. The weather this week has been perfect with low humidity and cool temperatures. I am hopeful that the Maine weather is starting to cool off for Fall. I loathe the combination of humidity and hot weather.
It occurred to me earlier this summer that I will be ending my summer in California and when I return to Maine, Fall will be in its early stages, which means raking leaves and other seasonal chores. Woo-hoo, I guess.
