SadieKate sed "Trek, I agree with you on this point"

of course you do, great minds think alike

but seriously folks if there's a nice generous bike lane/shoulder I like to be about in the middle or edge of the right third. Leave room for *everyone* to pass. I find if you're too far right that's where all the road debris is and I get flat after flat after....

also

* have your bike tuned and adjusted before a major ride. That is NOT what the volunteer mechanics are for.

* don't litter power bar wrappers, gu wrappers. They were light enough to carry full, stick the wrappers in a pocket or carry a zip lock bag for them.

* hang up the cell phone and ride.

* have fun