It has been a tough winter all over the east coast, including Chapel Hill, the coldest we can remember. There were at least four snowfalls, although beautiful, not conducive to getting in shape or being outside. There are finally signs of spring and opportunities to get out and ride.
Mid March Christine and Caroline went to Sarasota to visit Christine’s mom, Caroline was on spring break from her graduate studies at UNCC. I went to Lake Worth, Florida staying with my brother Tom and his wife Sharon for 8 days of training on the flats. They set me up in their 38’ Winnebago motor home parked beside their house. They are fabulous hosts tolerating my one mindedness, riding. I felt like Lance every time I stepped outside the RV and mounted my bike, just like a pro.
Under the warm South Florida sunshine I was motivated to ride 40-70 mile a day. Wonderful place to ride, up and down A1A between Delray Beach and Palm Beach. I was reminded of what true wealth is and how out of condition I am, dropped at 27+ mph by the local riders after 10 miles. On the left after crossing Southern Boulevard on A1A is Mar-a-Largo owned by “The Donald” in all of its glory. A break from A1A would find me riding west on Worth Avenue enjoying the finest in Palm Beach fashion and admiring the latest in luxury automobiles. The trend appears to have shifted; the Ferraris are few, replaced by Aston Martins, Maseratis and an occasional Lamborghini, the Rollers replaced by Bentleys. Mercedes Benz everywhere, even the barber has a Mercedes, maybe not an AMG, never the less a Mercedes. Turning right at the end of Worth Avenue and north for 3 blocks on the left are the Australian Brazilin docks, I ride down the walkway to see Roger Penske's 153 foot Feadship "Detroit Eagle" at the end of the Australian dock. Four more blocks north I make a right turn on Royal Palm Way working my way back to Atlantic Avenue (A1A) riding past Bernie’s x-home, the sign on the gate suggests that it now is owned by the Feds. Bernie has taken up residency in North Carolina enjoying retirement at Butner. Heading north by The Breakers, I trun right into the main entrance hoping I would be invited to join the croquet match in progress on the front court. I guess I was not in the proper attire. Leaving the Breakers heading north by Top Cycle , the shop where we purchased Christine’s 15 years old Colnago frame still in bubble wrap from our old friend Patrick Poupart. When in Palm Beach be sure to visit Top Cycles and meet Patrick, a unique character running a true candy store for bicycle lovers since 1993. A right turn and back to A1A with the Atlantic Ocean on the right. Riding north past Abe and Lin Gosman’s 58,000 square foot two bedroom place (in Palm Beach they have a place, not a home) and near the north end of the island the Kennedy Compound, most properties are called places except the Kennedys, they have a compound.
It’s just over four weeks until we are off on our tour; we are working very hard to get into condition for the demands. We will be in the saddle for 5-6 hours and ride an average of 60 miles a day, 6 days a week while carrying 40+ pounds of gear for 60 days covering 2,800 miles. Nutrition is a major concern, near as I can figure Christine will need a minimum of 3,400 calories and 60 grams of protein per day and I will need close to 5,000 calories with 80 grams of protein. We expect to drink 16-28 oz of water per hour. These energy demands do not take into consideration carrying the 40+ pounds of gear each (the kit). We have decided to use Hammer Nutrition products as the primary riding fuel. We have used Hammer Nutrition for several tours and most training rides for past couple of years. The benefits far outweigh the cost. These supplements will provide about 1,000 calories and 38 grams of protein daily for Christine and about 1,500 calories and 60 grams of protein for me. This is about the max our bodies can utilize while riding, leaving a huge deficit of needed calories and protein. It doesn’t look like the protein deficit, 20 grams, will be too much of a problem, it’s the calories. Christine will require at least 2,400 more calories and I 3,500 from meals. To put this into perspective; one must burn 3,600 calories to lose 1 pound of fat. It is going to be a challenge to not become unhealthy from loss of weight. We will be camping and preparing our meals from supplies picked up daily along the route, McDonalds and Wendy’s may become the restaurants of choice, a slight departure from our primarly organic diet from Weaver Street Market we have been accustomed to.
Today could have been a wonderful day to ride other than it’s 40 degrees outside. I guess I’ll go outside and fix the air conditioning in Christine’s Jetta, I’m sure it will be warm soon.
