I started training for the across the U.S. tour in mid February 2001. My goal is to log 4,000 training miles before flying to Portland in mid June. I am riding approximately 250 miles per week. In order to get this much mileage in per week, I am participating in as many centuries in the area as possible, and I've incorporated a few long training days into my weekly routine. During the tour, the average daily distance will be 80 miles so doing back-to-back long training rides is really important. The tour also begins in mountainous terrain, so I have also been trying to ride more hills than usual. Climbing hills is a weakness of mine, but I am forcing myself to tackle as much steep terrain as possible. I have also started riding in the rain, another new experience for me. Over the years I have been very good at scheduling rest days during bad weather. Since the weather during the tour will be unpredictable, I have to be ready for the worst. The rainy spring in Southern California has been helping me prepare for the potentially bad weather I'll experience. I am finally using my raincoat on a regular basis! Preparing for this ride has been testing me as a cyclist. I am happy to report that I have already seen improvements in my riding.

In order to ride so much, I have had to increase my food intake. Where are those delicious Italian pastries when you can eat them guilt free? Believe it or not, my trainer has been telling me to eat more. This is a first! I have been burning so many calories that I have been struggling to eat enough to keep my energy level high. I have started to keep a food journal to help me eat healthy while consuming over 3,000 calories a day.

I thought I would share with you some pictures from previous rides as well. Since I started cycling in 1995 I have participated in over 15 organized century rides. Century rides are 100 miles in length. I am hoping that this experience will help me this summer.