I started the 3 day weekend early - and concentrated on refreshing my memory of a few sections of the El Tour de Tucson for next week.

Thursday after work: I rode 16 miles, about 6 on the ETT route- reviewing the first big hill on the route, near Saguaro NP. Friday's ride was 27 cloudy but pleasant miles, 12 of which were on the next section of the ETT route. This morning I revisited the steepest hill on the course: It climbs 160 feet in 1/2 mile. I was standing in the pedals in my lowest gear, but I made it to the top. My heart rate was 175!!! Another cool and cloudy day, and the predicted wind did not arrive until after I got home.

Tomorrow, there is a 50% chance of rain, but it is the last ride with our El Tour training group. I have 3 different rain rackets, none of which have ever been put to work on a bike- I live in the desert! Maybe one of them will get a chance tomorrow.