If you can muster up the courage, going down hills with your hands in the drops will be much easier on your body. Take a moment to stretch your back (push your belly button down!). Be relaxed- this will make you more responsive to the bike and vice versa as you go down the hill. Don't worry about how fast you are going, just be with your bike. It will guide you. Look for curves and look at the road ahead. Don't even look at your speedometer! Make each downhill a practice for the next one to come.

Also, when cycling, practice keeping your face still (no grimacing!). You want to stay as relaxed as you can. I know this is difficult to do, BUT, with practice you can. Any kind of tensing up costs you valuable energy. To this day, I still have to remind myself to practice this technique.

Red Dress day may be short, BUT there are hills! Just take your time and enjoy the countryside!

What time do you all leave on the 4th?

(Trek's tentmate here from ALC 4)