Day 0

 Day 0: calm before the storm.  My bike  and I have made it to Columbia. Phew! We will be driving to Pickens today and the ride begins tomorrow.  Feeling good but worried about the logistics of starting out with a 93 mile ride, pace lining with new riders. I hope they are all at similar fitness levels. I have the high altitude lungs and good power to weight ratio to handle climbs but worry about the day to day toll from long rides.  I’ve promised myself and Diana Brennen Fisch to listen to my body and not push beyond my limits. Hoping for a good start and great next 9 days.

Now  packing up bikes and enjoying the view of downtown Columbia:

5 pm: drove the crew up to Easley in a 15 passenger van. a bit  stressed from all the traffic.  Lots of rolling hills that would make for good riding.  The cyclists I’ve met all appear to be strong and experienced. Here’s a shot of a few as we checked in to our hotel.  

And here’s the bike trailer: 

Only mishap so far was a cracked front wheel when the last bike was strapped to a hook.  Fortunately it’s  only the carbon faring that broke and it’s not structural   A bit of electrical tape should do for now.