re-entry suggestions

It has been almost a month since I finished with the Mississippi Meandering cross country bike ride. Mental re-entry has gone slowly, I still find myself wishing that there were a daily cue sheet to tell me where to go, how to get there and what to do. Fortunately my daily routine is pretty standard so the thought only occurs wistfully every now and then. What I do find myself missing are the cooked dinners without having to do any work. I enjoy cooking, it's just taken me some time to re-establish the timing of the routine. I also miss the general frivolity and hilarity of a group of women with a commonality among them. I have started doing a group ride on Sundays in preparation for the "Tour de Red" ride to raise money for diabetes research. The ride is in September and the local bike store (bicycle world and fitness-houston) is sponsoring 12 training rides and a "team" for the ride itself. This is the sort of ride that I would usually do independently, but I thought maybe the group training will allow me to meet some other riders from around here. At least it gives me one day a week when I am riding consistently, and with other people.




The return to the gym and working with a trainer has been very interesting. I didn't lose much weight, but I did lose a little bit of circumferance in my measurements, except for my thighs which added 1/2 inch, which is not too surprising after all the hill climbing. My overal strength is better and a bit more balanced out. We have started doing a workout that uses only free weights and body weight instead of machines. It is definitely challenging but rewarding. I am in the "still getting used" to it phase where I am stiff and sore the next day.




The weather is typically hot and humid- it's July in Texas- but I am still waking up, or rather my legs start moving, early enough that if I am disciplined and get up, I can get in 30-40 miles before it gets unbearably hot. My body ( or perhaps it is mental) is still feeling depleted enough that it doesn't take much for me to roll over and go back to sleep. So far I am averaging about 50/50 between leaping up to ride and turning over and going back to sleep. Hopefully I will improve that ratio over the summer.




In short, life is getting back to normal. I actually am managing a bit of weaving on a daily basis among a lot of small domestic shores and some heavy reading.




With the help of other ride from previous rides, I would like to offer the following sentiments about re-entry.




1. there is no daily cue sheet.

2. there is no snack table

3. there is no cold recovery drink or post ride drink unless you remember to put it in the refridgerator as you go out.

4. there is no van or support vehicle to pick you up from wherever you decide to "SAG" out

5. there is no cooked dinner unless you go out to eat.

6. If your neighbor is doing laundry, don't ask if you can just "throw in a few things."

7. If your neighbor is setting up the grill in his driveway, don't pull out a chair and join them unless invited.

8. Do not ride up on every white station wagon parked along side the road and expect water, snacks, a pump, help chaning your tire or a ride.

9. It isn't necessary to have your bike in your bedroom right next to your bed.

10.It isn't necessary to shower in your bike clothes.

11. It isn't necessary to call out "cart back" " on your left" and the like in the grocdery store or while out walking.

12. Do take advantage of designated rest days.


Criteria for a good SAG stop and green room rules
1. pick a place with shade, water (if possible) and plenty of clearance around the car and between the car and the road to keep from being mobbed.
2. pick a place close to dense greenery or a ditch, preferably a bit removed from the vehicle parking place, and with an interesting view.

Green Room Rules
1. progress into the green room space as far as feels comfortable.
2. check selected area for poison ivy, briars, other suspicious looking growth.
3. check which way the wind is blowing.
4. position yourself so that you are facing into the wind
5. make sure you are facing upslope if ground is uneven.
6. check for oncoming traffic
7. drop your pants and squat in one smooth motion
8. do your business
9. hunker long enough to air dry, or wipe and remember to take your trash with you and throw it away in the garbage bag.
10. recheck for oncoming traffic again
11. stand and pull up in one smooth motion and move away from the wet spot.
12. exit the green room space
13. check your legs, shoes, socks, shorts and jersey for prickers, ticks, bugs, spiders and miscellaneous flora and fauna.
14. sanitize your hands again before approaching food, water, or putting on your bike gloves.

this list is the result of a rather hilarious margarita party to celebrate crossing into Minnesota on the Mississippi tour. It was complete with demonstrations of squatting options, examination of plant and insect specimens. Incoming guests at the hotel who passed us all sitting in a circle in the parking lot were not quite sure what to make of it all.

One truck driver walking by commented that" it must be my lucky day!"