Taper?

[Pedal Wench]

Wow! Great advice!

Annie, I'm going to print that out and keep going over it again and again until that image of a strong, powerful 'me' becomes a reality! I'll let y'all know how it goes. I have to think that I just might not finish last!

I know the course inside and out. I'm hoping that will be my advantage. I've done it countless times (it's part of the ride that I was doing every weekend last year) so I know exactly when to shift up or down. Most folks think it's flat, but there are slight inclines and declines, and I know exactly where they are. I hope that's gonna help. Well, that and the two caffeinated powergels washed down with a Coke I plan to down right before I start!