It Has Come Together

July 8, 2010,

Day 6 - 116.5 miles

Before I begin, I want to ask a favor of everyone reading my blog. I really would hope that you sign in as a follower so I know you are out there with me. I leave my home everyday at 5:30 am and I am gone for 8 to 10 hours by myself. If I know you are following me it really motivates me and makes me feel that I am not alone. Please just let me know you are there. And by all means leave me comments or questions. This is my commitment for 3 weeks and to know you are waiting to read about the days events is a big motivator for me. Thanks.

Today it all came together. This was the first day where the temperatures,at least in the beginning, was under 90. More important the first 90 miles were done with clouds in the sky. What a relief. When I opened the door to leave this morning, it was like I was walking into a sauna. 100% humidity and real foggy. It was actually OK. Had a light drizzle later in the ride which was great. The sun finally came out at 90 miles. By then I was back on the Shore with a nice breeze.

Today I had my last publicity appearance at a Central Jersey Bank branch. They have been really great in publicizing the event and helping me raise money. I was there at 9:00 for the shoot. I had already rode 45 miles on the Shore. After I went inland to Colts Neck and then back to the Shore to finish the miles.

Today everything went well. I started the day weighing 138 and lost only two pounds. I had a turkey sandwich on the ride. Had plenty of water and electrolyte drink. I treated myself to a slice of pizza and of course had my gels. When I came home I had some pasta and plenty more to drink. I felt strong during the ride right up till the end. A good friend of mine who is biker mentioned that as the weeks go by you are going to get much stronger. He is right. If the saddle sores would go away I would really be enjoying this. But I think they are here for the duration. They hurt when I get on at first and then I just keep moving my position on the bike and just block out the pain. This will not defeat me. By the way, my knee is fine. I just needed to get off the flats and do some rolling hills which I did yesterday and today.

So that's it for today. Feel good, well hydrated, I am eating again and for those who called and showed concern for me, thank you. I am now a lean mean biking machine. Tomorrow is 140 miles, let you know how that goes. Off to the ice bath now.

Total Distance: 116.5
Total Time: 8 hours 36 minutes
Total Elapsed Time: 9 hours (this includes stops for bathroom and to grab food)

Phil