We have a bike deal! The equipment committee was thoughtful enough to choose a model with a women’s specific design. This is especially important for a woman of my stature as there are no men’s bikes small enough. We should have them in a month or so, still providing bikeless team members plenty of time to train.

I’ll continue training on my mountain bike until then. I’ve been told a road bike will make riding much easier and I can’t wait. I went on my first “team” ride today. There were seven of us, I was the only mountain bike rider, but I held my own. It’s been a while since I’ve ridden with a group that size and I loved it. You get a lot more respect on the road in numbers. It’s nice to get to know some of the people I’ll be spending so much time with. Most, if not all, the riders today will be joining me through the Rockies.

Tomorrow I begin work on the Texas 4000 website redesign…in my spare time.

“You can’t see paradise if you don’t pedal” – Chicken Run (thanks Jen!)

I’m giddy with anticipation about all of the wonderful experiences to come this semester and this summer. I’m overwhelmed by the support from friends and family who share my excitement about both the ride to Alaska and the money raised for cancer research. Thank you.

I began training a couple weeks ago and the hills have already begun to shrink. The Rockies are still a formidable obstacle, but I’ve come a long way from the flat land of Illinois. I have several bike trips planned for this spring: a camping trip to Seguine, TX; a day trip to Krause Springs; and the Shiner ride. I’m sure those will be peppered with Moonlight rides and the like. I’ll be sure to share.