DAILY BLOG

Since it has been a couple weeks since I last posted, I thought I’d update you on the training. Spring has finally arrived over the past week, and we’ve been able to ride outside nearly everyday. As such, Jared and I have started to get in some longer rides—trying to go at least 30 miles a day and several in the 50-60 range. But trying to schedule these workouts during a busy work and school week may be the biggest struggle of all.

A sunny day!

The bike tour is clearly shaping up to be a true “family thing”, not just a “dad thing”. Jared is just 15 years old, but he is proving to be up to the challenge of riding the complete 2,500 miles this summer. I hate to admit it, but I have a strong feeling he’ll be beating me up those major summits in Colorado. Justy (14 yrs.) and Jordan (17 yrs.) may not be planning to ride the full distance across the country like Jared and I (they expect to ride about 1/2 the time), but they are riding very strong. They are usually riding at least 20 miles per day, and we make for a great 4-rider paceline when we go out as a foursome.

Just between you and me, I have personally been very impressed at the level of progression that each of the boys have made in their riding abilities over the past few weeks and months. (Ok, that was clearly a “proud dad” sort of comment.)

“Uh, Justy, don’t look behind you but…”

Jordan, enjoying the ride

Today, we discovered the absolute worst road in the history of western civilization. Rt. 62 West into the neighboring town of Barre proved to be worse than any roads I remember when I visited the developing country of Haiti. Potholes for 8 miles, some bent on swallowing bikers whole (watch out Justy!), others just trying to mangle our rims (watch out Shimano!). A mountain biker might enjoy it, but that section was a road cyclist’s nightmare. However, we survived and found one road that we will never ever ride on again.

One of the smoother sections of Rt. 62 West. We decided not to show you the worst
parts of the road as they would have surely deserved a PG-13 or R rating!