Whoa, time is flying now before the big cross country cycling trip. I picked up 2 work trips back to back recently. Taking 1.5 weeks off the bike; trading those days in for hiking. While not out of the norm for me, this is a bit of a training no no... I knew it, but I got to lead some outstanding women around Sedona with amazing co-workers. So worth it!
I also made a special day hike down to Phantom Ranch to meet with a group of women I used to bike and cross-country ski with in Fairbanks, Alaska. Many of them actually came with me on a trip to Italy for a cycling trip we put together, both are now memories I'll never forget. It's truly special when you find people you can pickup talking with years between conversations, yet it feels like no time has passed. Man I miss these ladies and those conversations. Anyway, SO worth messing up my training a bit by hiking 18 miles and 5k feet down and back out of the canyon. #RimRiverRim
As far as I know, I won't be called into work over the next 2 weeks. If so, it will really time crunch my training, only time will tell.
As for cycling, I'm back on the bike again the last few days. I got in back to back 50 milers with plans for a longer 90 today. Yesterday's heat acclimation ride went well.. I was slower and climbed more with temperatures hitting 101F. I'm back to making routes with water stops planned as well as wetting down my arms to keep cool.
I started packing my clothes yesterday for the trip. With 30lbs of gear allowed, I still have about 9lbs within limits. I still have more to pack, but I think I'll be just fine with what I've selected. Planning on making a post of all packed items as it gets closer to go time.