...till the MS150, and my bike's in the shop with an as-yet undiagnosed problem (the clicking was not the pedals after all, and it's driving me crazy), and probably a Thursday pickup estimate. I brought it in on Sunday, and they haven't had time to look at it yet. I'm trying not to get too upset...I understand they're busy this close to a major event, but I brought it in for a tune-up two weeks ago, mostly to fix this very problem. It's not like I waited till the last minute, here. I tried to be proactive, dammit! :)
UPDATE: The official verdict came in tonight...it is the pedals. I had thought it wasn't because it clicked on Sunday even with my right foot out, but I guess I was wrong. Or I was right last week. Whatever...time to replace the pedals. Now, whether to switch to my other SPDs or go straight to the Quattros I bought last week*...that is the question.
As if this wasn't enough to be anxious about, I've yet to decide where I'll be starting the ride. I'll either go from the Woodlands start or the team start, and both have their pros and cons. The Woodlands has familiarity going for it (both route and people), the team start has wind direction and distance. The team route is 10-15 miles shorter than going from the Woodlands, and goes almost directly NW. If the SE wind forecast is correct, that means a direct tailwind most of the way. The route from the Woodlands is SW, so more of a crosswind. Basically, the team start would be easier physically, the Woodlands would be easier emotionally/mentally. I'm just not sure which is more important to me in an all-day ride.
I'm also not sure yet how I'll change clothes in La Grange 3 hours (God-willing) before my hotel shuttle starts running...I could take the shower shuttle, but I would really rather not deal with that nonsense when I have a perfectly nice, private hotel room to shower in later. However, sitting around in my cycling shorts for a few hours is a Bad Idea, so I'll have to find my overnight bag and somewhere to change shortly after arriving at the fairgrounds. Not a big deal, just one more thing to work out.
Other than those things, I've mostly ironed out the details. I've determined what I'll wear, what I'll eat, and which bag to bring. Transportation to and from the start and finish is covered. I'm over-hydrating now, and I'll start carbing up tomorrow. Training-wise, I'm as ready as I've ever been. I'd like to be lighter, sure, but I have no one to blame but myself on that one.
*trying to resolve some hotfoot issues I've been having on longer rides. The quattros have a larger platform, but still have double-sided entry that I like with the SPDs.
Posted by Joy at April 17, 2007 01:47 PM