GRAN FONDO - AM I READY?

I went to TREK Monday and Paul set me up on my bike.  We tweaked the seat height and position so that I am riding a little higher and slightly more forward.  We adjusted my handlebars as well.  Everything else feels good.  I have decided to wait on peddles until I get moving and feel comfortable with the adjustments.

I did pick up a nice little Bontrager Computer so I can log distance, speed and heart rate.  I have a heart rate monitor to keep me in my ideal burn zone.  I need to lose weight and challenge myself for hills and sprints.  Another addition was a waterproof I-phone holder.  It's now mounted to my bike.  I like the idea of using Strava or Map My Ride - just for fun!

Spoke O Motion was have a grand re-opening sale during the March Bike show with great deals!  I picked up a pair of Giro mountain bike shoes and new "CANDY" peddles in red :)   YUP  EAR TO EAR SMILE. Mountain biking is my first love.  I had to treat myself to something new...my old shoes are falling apart. It won't be long and I will be back on the trails.

I will switch my old dual peddles from my mountain bike onto my road bike and lock on the old shoes just for my indoor training.  I haven't made up my mind what shoes to get for the road bike.  Paul's suggestion was to ride indoors for now and once it warms up log some outdoor miles, then come back for some shoes. He will check my fit again on the bike with new peddles and shoes to insure I won't have any knee pain etc.

I checked the Gran Fondo Niagara website training schedule again.  If I go with the 20 week program, my start date is April 27.  I need to get my legs moving now so that by April 27 I will be ready for a rigid training  schedule.  The plan is to mix it up so that I cover Yoga Mat, Core Exercises, Ball 2 days a week, 2 days on the Boflex gym, 2 days easy cycle and 1 day spin class. Depending on timing I may double up exercise or weights with an easy ride day so that I can have a day off.  I plan on doing an hour a day for the next two weeks, then increase my riding time to 2 hours a day.  Spin class is 1 hour long but it will give me the hill and sprint workouts I need.  All of this should get me through March!

I believe the first mountain bike race will be the end of April.  I can't wait to get back outside and ride again.

Tonight's task, change over the peddles and get comfortable on the bike!  I have 4 pairs of riding shorts and 6 jerseys.

PROGRESS - I think I am now ready to ride.