There are but three things to do to make "The Tour" more enjoyable:

1.Make sure you have clothes for wind,cold, and esp. rain. I am
cheap, but I broke down and bought a Gortex suit in 1990 after the 89
tour that started in a downpour. I still have that suit,and treat it
better than my Sunday best, which it actually is... Also, make sure
that if it does rain, to wring out and hang to dry whatever you have
to wear back the next day as soon as you get to your overnight.

2. Prepare to ride in the wind. Usually the prevailing winds are from
the SW, but we have had tailwinds both days (88,91,93)but the wind
often shifts and sidewinds can wear you down as well. TOSRV 96 had a
nice tailwind on Sat and we paid for it on Sunday, with a steady
headwind that only picked up speed as the day wore on and we wore
out. I got home at 4pm that day with my knees hurting for 2 weeks
after. That was the worst I experienced, only because I missed
TOSRV83 and started in 84. However, I did TOSRV 2002 with a broken
bone in my foot and 96 was still worse! TOSRV 95 on Sunday started in
a downpour but by 8am it stopped and we had the best tailwind ever.
Bottom line is to be prepared and able to make it at least to the
next rest stop, those always seem to rejuvenate you when you see
others in the same shape!

3. Finally, just resolve to do the ride! I usually go straight to
Chillicothe without stopping the first day, or the 1/2 way mark. That
way, it is the same distance wheather I return or continue. Little
mental games like that seem to help. This year we will have a new
starting route so I may actually stop in Circleville for the first
time since 84...

Good luck, you will make it if you want to. This is one of the best
supported rides in the USA and my favorite!

Tony
Portland,Oregon



--- In tourofthesciotorivervalley@yahoogroups.com, "darkspector78"
<dark_spector00@h...> wrote:
>
>
> This year will be my first tour. I was wondering what advice
> everyone can give me to get ready for this tour. I have signed up
> for the entire tour not the half tour.