|
The most effective thing I did before leaving
on the trip was to have my bike tuned and I replaced all parts that
potentially could give me problems – even if they were “fine”.
Yes, this was expensive, but the bike was a flawless ride the entire
time.
Much of my success at PBP can be attributed to correct clothing choices.
My general strategy is to ride too warm and that paid off for me because
I was never cold. (John Lee Ellis can attest to my wardrobe
choices as we went on a ride this past August and he made a comment
about my shoe covers…). Also, I wore a shower cap-like helmet
cover that kept my head and therefore me warm. Yes, I looked like
a dork. But I was a warm dork! When I got too hot during the day,
I stored it in my bento box. I wore two pair of shorts (advice I
took from RMCC’s very own Dr. Eric Simmons of Colorado Springs) and
since have NEVER had a sore or chafe of any kind. I followed Mike
Fulton’s advice and never took off my leggings (not that I ever needed
to.) I put the leggings between the two pair of shorts and so they
stayed up on my leg and did not slip down as I rode. Lastly I wore
wind stopper fleece gloves that were warm despite being soaking wet.
I never took off my rain coat either. When I was too hot I rolled
up the sleeves and zipped open all the zippers, again going back to the
dork look.
I used a front fender to keep unknown to me at the time, the cow poo,
off me and out of my eyes. This fender attaches to the frame, not over
the wheel. (This type of fender is made for mountain bikes.) Also,
I use a moots “tailgaiter” seat bag that acts something as a rear
fender.
I guzzled peach tea at the controls (two cans min) and filled one water
bottle with a tea/coke mix or a lemonade/coke mix. I tried a
French energy drink but it did zero for me. I ate sandwiches
during the day as I rode and consumed hot food at night.
Sandwiches that I could not finish I stuffed into a pocket for later.
I also stopped at several little country road card tables manned by kids
and old ladies. There I consumed crepes, oranges, juices of
unknown flavors, cookies, crackers and cheese. I routinely ate
butter at every opportunity to the point that now I am considering
checking myself into butter rehab! I never had to wait in a line
to get food at controls, but consuming the hot food took longer because
of the plate thing and I think that overall added several hours to my
time. I carried energy gels and energy bars and gave most away to
other riders, consuming only a few myself. I discovered that
Italian riders like Margareta clif bloks. |
|
