I signed up for the Austin Livestrong!

[pooks]

Thanks, Kit! Maybe by October I'll be strong enough to join you in that 40 effort!

luv'nAustin -- they're having training rides in Austin for locals who are cycling the race! So you shouldn't have any problem hooking up with them. Also, if you request a mentor, you may find out about other rides that way. I was told that there's a mentor in Dallas who emails people about rides in this area to help people get ready!

[Aggie_Ama]

Good luck pooks! I would love to do this ride someday, but DH and I have our hearts in the MS150. I can't do two large fundraisers a year. Last year they sent out a plea for volunteers and I think I might do it this year. Good luck, you will be surprised how easy 40 can be if you put your mind to it!

Luv'nAustin- Check out austincycling.org. They have weekly rides through varying terrain if you need training. I have yet to attend one on my own, but I probably will this Sunday as my DH is traveling for work.

[Steph_in_TX]

Good for you, Pooks! You can totally do this. Be prepared for any kind of weather. Three years ago it was cold and wet. The problem was the front that came through wasn't supposed to come anywhere near that far south and no one was prepared for it. It was in the 80's the night before and in the 50's by morning. People were buying socks to use as arm warmers! Two years ago it was HOT. Last year was cool to start and warmed up nicely. You can almost guarantee a pretty stiff wind at some point in the ride.

If you'll be needing a hotel, I'd be happy to give you two that are reasonably priced and in a great location for getting to the ride.

[pooks]

Sure, please send me the info. I just checked the hotel I'd like to stay at and it's gotten a little pricey since our last trip there!

[pooks]

Here's some info about the training rides in Austin:

Nike 10//2 Training
It’s free. It’s open to everyone. Come join us beginning July 29.

Nike and the Lance Armstrong Foundation are teaming up to get you ready for the LIVESTRONG Challenge by hosting local Nike 10//2 Training events twice a week in Austin. The training is free for riders, runners, and walkers of all abilities, and is a great way to not only get to know other LIVESTRONG Challenge participants, but to get some time in the saddle or on the path! Now, for every new friend you bring along to a Nike 10//2 Training, you will receive one entry into an on-site drawing for a Nike 10//2 prize.

[Steph_in_TX]

The main point of this advice is to stay in the vicinty of 35 and 290 East. It's just a short jaunt straight out 290 to the place the ride starts, which is really handy come early Sunday morning. The expo is just a few miles south on 35 at the Convention Center. The LaQuinta Highland Mall and Baymont Inn Highland Mall are pretty much both at that intersection. We've stayed in both locations. The Baymont is cheaper and was just changed over from a LaQuinta last year...owned by the same company. I suppose they didn't really need two LaQuinta's less than a mile or so apart. It's an even better deal if you have a Sam's card. It's likely where we'll stay if we go again.

Also, this may or may not be useful advice depending on how many riders they allow. I haven't seen what the cap will be this year. If it's anywhere near the 6,500 it has been in the past, then you'll want to try to be at the starting location by 6:30-6:45 or earlier. Trust me, you'd rather be sitting in a parking lot with everything ready to go than sitting in the HUGE line of cars that don't think they need to get there early.

I'll keep my eye for the route to be posted. If it's anything close to the previous routes, I'll give you all the info I can about what you can expect in terms of hills.

Good luck with your training and stay out of this insane heat!!

[pooks]

Thanks, Steph -- that's all VERY helpful.

I was told that the 40-mile route is east of Austin and thus relatively flat, so I guess they already know the routes.