The final miles…

This week is the final “big week” of riding before RAGBRAI. I’m scheduled for 175 this week and yesterday knocked off 77 of them. My only regret about yesterday is I completely spaced out the Zach Manago Ride in Paradise. I finally remembered after I’d gotten to far in the opposite direction to make it possible to turn around and get on board.
I really tried to get into the spirit of RAGBRAI though as I stopped for musubi and cold drinks, then later for coffee, next for lunch (at the Downbeat Diner & Lounge – a must stop if you are in Honolulu’s Chinatown), followed by another stop for an hour long gabfest, and finally for dinner in Hawaii Kai. Of course after that I still had ride home. In any case it was an all day ride. I got in after dark as I didn’t want to be riding into the setting sun when cars coming up behind me would have a hard time seeing me.
For the last several weeks I’ve been riding my Bike Friday exclusively and, knock on wood, must have the fit dialed in pretty well. I’m not experiencing any lingering aches and pains. Let’s hope that continues!
I’d given some thought to swapping last week’s miles with this week’s goal-wise as I scheduled 150 last week and rode 186. Ultimately I’d probably have felt bad about it so I guess I’ll do all 175 somehow this week. Last week was easy with the holiday tossed in…no such luck this week.
I’m also going to pack this weekend (once I’ve finished by 175). That means I’ll be switching bikes back to my beloved Quickbeam. I’ll have to knock 65 miles out on it next week, but that should seem like a piece of cake (and maybe just one ride).
Packing is always a bit nerve-wracking as my Friday and its suitcase can get pretty close to 50 lbs. if I not careful. I definitely want to stay in the weight limit to avoid fees, or worse, having to repack in front of an agent who will notice that it’s a bicycle…major fees.
Aloha!