I want to finish the Knoxville Double. I don't care how long it takes. I just want to finish.

I've picked a lousy time to decide to begin training for next year's stage races. The first few weeks of school always exhaust me. I've been going to bed at 6:30 or 7 PM because my brain is fried! And sleeping until the alarm goes off at 4:30. I haven't gotten in morning workouts this week because I have things I need to do for the start of the year. All my current first day stuff was on my stolen laptop, so I'm working off stuff I had from 2001.

I've gained weight over the summer and that needs to come off, plus some more. I'm never going to be a speedy climber, but getting the engine leaner will help.

I've got some good rides planned this month though.

9/2 Livermore - Hamilton - Calaveras - Livermore - about 107 miles and probably 8,000 feet of climbing

9/15 Jo's 200 K - still negotiating with T

9/22 Knoxville Double staff ride - 200 miles, 12,000 feet

9/29 & 30 Waves to Wine - 175 miles over two days, climbing ?

I'm anxious to see which doubles will be next year's stage races and I have to remind myself I have at least until March to get myself where I want to be. It doesn't have to happen this week.

V.