BikeMS Milwaukee 2017

When I first started riding last year, it would have been pretty hard to convince me that I need all sorts of crazy gear in order to do the BikeMS ride. Then I started training. I couldn't go more than 10 miles. So, I changed the tires to road tires for my mountain bike. Then when after I did a 30 mile ride and the saddle I had was so horrible on my man parts that it basically numbed all of it and I wet myself after getting off the bike... I got a saddle that had a ditch in the middle of it to help fix that part. Then I got gloves because my hands hurt. Then I got bike shorts because I needed that extra padding. Then I got a bike jersey with pockets in the back because I was going longer distances and wanted to carry some snacks and stay cool. The under armour just wasn't cutting it. And last year I did my ride. With running shoes. And I hated myself. A lot. I had it set in my mind that by the ride next year I would have new pedals, clips, and shoes. Everyone said I...

Wow! Time flies. We're only one week away from the ride and I'm ALMOST ready for it. I have already picked up my registration packet (number #440 this year, watch for me if you're out on the route!), I have been doing 10/20/50 mile rides and those are going quite well this year. The next things were to make sure I'm all set with all the OTHER stuff for the ride itself. I was going to replace my saddle again this year, but I think I'm going to be just fine with that one. I've figured out a great solution to my seat post sliding issue and it was worked great ever since implementation. I've got my jerseys, my shorts, socks, helmet, gloves, sunglasses, water bottles and cages, and cell phone holder. I just need to get a few more things. Last year, I'm pretty sure I only survived thanks to those awesome Clif Shot Bloks. I had them again this year on my 50 and I can feel the energy difference when I have them. So, I need a few of those for Saturday a...

My view at the 25 mile mark. I'll admit it, I've been slacking a bit this year on the training. With everything that has been going on in my life as of lately, finding time has been a fun one. My wife busted up her leg so I need to be around more for that. I'm playing guitar in a band that has a show on July 22nd. With that, I've had to learn 12 songs in less than a month. Figure out guitar parts, practice nightly for about 2 hours, and get together 1-2 times a week so that we can get our groove matched up right and have a solid performance. Good times. TOO SLOW. MUST TRAIN MORE! Well, this past Saturday I went and did my first 50 mile ride of the season. It was great outside. Under 70 when I started and I was at my 25 mile marker by 9:30 AM. I had thought that this was late in the season for me to get my first 50 mile ride in, but looking at my app I track my rides with, I am right on schedule! The ride back was a little more intense. That break actually ...