Rest and Recover

Taking some time off.  No biking for two weeks.

Physical and mental recovery.

The greatest benefactor is our dog, Monte, who gets more attention and extra long walks.

Winter Solstice

Hurray - The days are getting longer.

Still limited to indoor riding.  Today, my diversion was the movie Rush, which is a about the rivalry between F1 drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda. Riding on rollers for two hours is always a challenge, mentally and physically.  Racing scenes are even more difficult.  As the cars are shown maneuvering through the apex of the corners, I found myself leaning the bike as if I was entering the turn or attempting to steer around cars blocking the road.  It's just natural, but not a good idea when riding on eighteen inch wide cylinders that are fixed to go straight.   On numerous occasions I caught myself just before riding off the side. Eventually I learned to look away from the screen during the driving scenes.  FYI, this also applies to aviation videos.

Trip Expenses

We are occasionally asked how much does a "pampered" cross country tour cost.  It got me to thinking about the Total Cost.  

My quick calculation is about $10,000 per person which includes some general bike supplies and a few splurge items. This is $1,333 per week.

The registration is about $8,000 per person ($16,000):
Meals - chef prepared breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging - tent services and hotels
Luggage Transportation
Laundry Service
Support and Gear (SAG) - beverage and snacks three stops per day
Bike Mechanic
Entertainment
Encouragement

We have already purchased most of our supplies ($2024):
Four Schwalbe Marathon Tires $115
Ten Tubes $40
Four New Chains $68
Six Bib Shorts $240
Six Pair Socks $27
SPD Sandals $50
Four Biking Gloves $32
Cold Weather Gloves $50
Shoes $55
SPD Pedal $30
SPD SL Pedals $40
Extra Cleats $10
Cleat Covers $10
Sun Knees (spf protection) $30
Four Water Bottle Cages $15
Two P4P Jerseys $140
Garmin Touring GPS $152
Airfare (x2) $720
Hotel in San Diego $200

We still need ($1970): 
Bike Packing $30
Bike Shipping to San Diego $100
Bike Assembly $30
Bike Packing $30
Bike Shipping Home $100
Bike Assembly $30
Shuttle to JAX Airport $50
Tip $1600

Training in Wisconsin during December?

The last time we rode our bikes outdoors was more than a month ago, November 6 , and that was in the Florida Keys.  All our bicycle training has been in the basement on rollers, which is the definition of boring.  Thankfully we have a supply of recorded movies, although limited it helps to get lost in a good plot.  Our supply of good movies is dwindling - we need another free weekend of HBO or Showtime.

Even though it is boring, training is a requirement to have an enjoyable ride.  My plan is to ride for two hours at least five days a week with one long ride per week (three hours or more).  So far, so good, as today marked my ninth consecutive day in the saddle, as I prepare for a two week break to rest mind and body.

The forecast is calling for temperatures approaching 50 degrees this weekend, so I may be able to get one more ride outside before March.

C2C Rider Demographics

42 Riders   Lisa is once again the youngest rider

Average age of riders: 63   ( Youngest: 50, Oldest: 75 )

 Four Foreign Countries:  Canada---Mexico—UK—Germany

 21 Different States:

 Alabama: 2,   Arizona: 2,   California: 5,   Connecticut: 1,   Florida: 3,   Georgia: 1,   Idaho: 1,   Iowa: 1

 New Hampshire: 1,   Maine: 1,   Massachusetts: 1,   Michigan: 4,   Minnesota: 2,   Missouri: 2,   Montana: 1

 North Carolina: 1,   Ohio: 3,   South Carolina: 1,   Virginia: 2,   Washington: 1,   Wisconsin: 2