Hi,

I'll be at the Gator, too. I haven't decided if I'm going to do the 40 or the
65 mile (I haven't pre-registered). A lot depends on whether or not I get my
road bike back from the shop by then (I had the components upgraded--it's
ready, but I can't seem to get off from work long enough to pick it up). A lot
depends on how many adjustments I might have to make to it to get it "right"
when I do manage to get it.

If it isn't ready or I can't get to the shop, I might just ride my mountain
bike. I trained on it last weekend and I was able to ride "long" with no
problems. This is despite the fact that I hadn't ridden it in 6 months.

You were right though.....about the wind. I did a 65 mile ride last Saturday
and a 50 mile the next day--both "flat" along 242, 1488, 2920 and 2978. The
wind was awful. I think I only averaged about 10 mph upwind and but got about
22mph avg. downwind on my MTB (running slicks-my top speed was 34mph!). My
jacket was fluttering so loud in the upwind breeze, I found it distracting.
With some of the route crosswinded, I still only managed about 13-14mph for the
whole trip including one stop, about 2mph less than normal for me on that bike.
But good enough for the ride, I think.

I wish I had done some hill work. I haven't done hills since the Alamo
Challenge. The Hartmann is cool, but it is a nice climb for a flatlander.

Good luck. See you guys on Saturday (the weather will be fine)!

Ricky
Conroe