RAIN Ride 2010 (Questions) This is long, sorry!!

[Miranda]

Miranda - You're ready.

In a few weeks Silver and a small group will be going from New Harmony to Louisville...why don't you join them? It's about 140ish...

Mr. SR - you need to do it too.

...I'm not doing it...

Ooo, the ride sounds nice. And tempting. But my acl joint in my shoulder is an issue atm. I had my MRI test today. Go for my PT eval later this week. And see the ortho doc next week to discuss the test results etc. He's allowed indoor spinning atm, but no steering of the outdoor bici. I hate this feeling that I know I am loosing ground on my fitness gains. Just makes me depressed to eat the kids ice cream. Ugh--counter-productive. Just have to wait and see what the doc says. Definately a list add for next season though.

Miranda I really hope you heal quick and can get back on the bike soon. I can't imagine not be able to do something you love. Just take it slow and easy and thanks for all the info you've given me.

Thx for those get well wishes. Yea, it's really hard listening to my friends century reports of recent. I am sincerely happy for their accomplishment. Just feeling blue I'm not with them on the success.

[Geonz]

+1 on what Indysteel said, especially ab out the gear and comfort.

I did the ride in, I think, 2005. High temp 83, 8 mph west wind... so mostly tailwind. I did it for fun -- finished #300. I'd been riding lots of miles *that* summer -- 150-200 miles/week, so yes, I had worked out any saddle or angle issues with the bike. Think I'd done several 80+ mile days (I was working 20 hours a week, with Tuesdays off to riiiiiide). I had some coaching from folks who'd done it -- mainly of the "take it EASY AT FIRST" type, but I shall forever fondly remember Fritz at the bike shop telling me "Sioux, you ride those trucks. Go ahead and take it out at 17 or so and go for it." Since he got Susan Notorangelo through RAAM with flying colors, I figured he knew what he was talking about

I Was back out at our Monday ride, tho' taking it easy. Another lady in the club finished #30 - first woman who wasn't on a tandem. She rode my kind of miles... but it was THursday before she was back out on the road 'cause it took that long for thigns to stop bleeding (but hey, she was 53... pretty awesome...)

I'd say it's about getting the gear that works (and it's about comfort - I was riding a hybrid, with sneakers & toe clips, but it's comfortable and light) and then having the time to put in the miles... and also, yes, the weather. You might sort of plan ahead for just how much nuisance & discomfort you are willing to endure if somethign goes amiss, if you tend to be in the "NO MUSTNOT QUIT MUST NOT QUIT" category.

Miranda, hang in there !!! It's better IMO to keep in touch with it, even tho' it hurts -- gives you something to look forward to.