Why being dropped is good for you.

I've always thought training was overrated. Before I started to bike, I ran a lot. Running got me through grad school, stressful times with my employers, and even the occasional holiday period with the family. But, I never really trained. Getting ready for a 10K or the periodic half marathon usually meant for me just longer daily runs. It wasn't until I started to run with a group from Cal Poly that I learned about interval training and speed work on the track. I don't actually do intervals or speed work, but at least I know they exist.

I think the biggest difference between getting ready for 10K or marathon and getting ready to bike in Europe is understanding the pack mentality.  The pack instinct is different among runners than it is among cyclists. A small group of runners are more likely to moderate the pace during a training run to keep the group together. After all, someone left alone with only his or her feet is more likely to fall prey to natural hazards like mountain lions or bears. Not so if you're on a bike. First of all, you're much faster and second, you can always throw the bike at the oncoming animal. When you're on a bike, falling off the back, or being dropped, is the way the pack is trying to make you a better cyclist. Sort of like a mother bird throwing her chick out of the nest. "If you survive, you'll know how to fly."  Being dropped is the pack's way of saying, "we love you and if you survive you'll be a much better cyclist."  I find this approach to cycling very comforting. Especially on days like today when I was the last one up two climbs. It was the pull of the pack that got me up the hills and since I can't throw my bike far, also the fear of being eaten by a bear. And tonight, I'm probably a little better climber than I was this morning.

What to pack?

I'm a pretty experienced traveler. Between personal and business travel, I fly over 50K miles a year. I'm not in United's top tier of travelers, but not far from it. I travel mostly domestic, but sometimes international. So with all this experience, why am I finding myself staring at piles of clothing, cycling gear, toiletries, travel books, maps, etc? Between my piles and my wife's, our bedroom looks like a combination of a travel store and bike shop. At least the piles are organized. Cycling stuff in one  corner, regular clothing in front of the closet, running gear under the window. My strategy, if there is one, seems to be get everything out and then staringt to decide what's really important. So, do I need four jerseys or just three? If the weather is slightly cool and I don't sweat a lot, the smell many not be too bad after a ride or two. Besides, since I'll be at the back of the pack on most rides, I'll  be down wind anyway. Decision made. Now it's on to jacket, vest, and arm warmers. Does the same logic apply? I can't wait to make the decision on bibs or shorts. 

We attended a dinner party over the weekend with the people traveling with me to France during the first week of the adventure. During the course of the evening, the topic of luggage emerged. Proudly, a couple people, non-cyclists, mentioned they are only bringing a single carry-on bag. That's all. One bag the size of large bread box. I can't fit all my toiletries and my laptop in my carry-on bag. Maybe I need a bigger carry-on. Not! I need a U-Haul. When I started talking about all the biking gear I need to bring, especially since I'm outfitting a new bike, there was a lot of head shaking. The conversation then turned to perhaps we need bigger cars and could I wear my helmet on the plane to save space.   

   

Transfer of Funds

Ciao
Today, I made the big step and transferred funds to an unknown bike shop in Rome for my new Pinarello. It's now official. I have to go to Europe. No turning back. Otherwise, how do it get my bike? If everything goes according to plan, the bike will be ready when 24 of my cycling colleagues and I arrive in Italy in about four weeks. Most of us are from San Luis Obispo County in California. How we got to the point where 25 of us embarking on this cycling adventure, I'm not sure. All I know at this point is that I've got my passport and I have a bike to pick-up in Italy!

Before I arrive in Italy to join our group, I hope to doing a little cycling in France and Switzerland. I'm trying to arrange for a bike rental in France and I'm going to borrow a bike from a family member in Switzerland. This could be interesting, since no one has asked what size bike I need. Is that important?