My First Tour

In just over three weeks I will embark on my first cycling tour. While still at the genesis of my journey to the "Big Tour" (across the country for Kara) this will be one of the links that connects me to success in the big picture. The ride will tour southern Utah from Moab to Cedar City through the heart of beautiful red rock canyon country. I will pedal 420 miles in 7 days and camp each night. The ride is organized as a benefit for a Native American Education Fund so while the proceeds of my ride fees will help fund a Native's education every pedal will be for Kara. Yes, the pink "Kara Socks" will return for their second appearance. They were a hit at the century.

In preparation for the tour I've been on some long, challenging, and steep training rides in the past couple weeks. Last weekend I climbed North Ogden Divide (a steep mountain pass), pedaled across the valley and around Pineview Reservior, climbed Trappers Loop and Snowbasin Road on the other side of the valley, and descended back into Ogden via 12th Street through Ogden Canyon. Each of those climbs alone can be brutal but to have conquered both of them in a day I feel strong. I was beat at the end of that day and it hurt to move so I took the next two days of to recoup (I recently learned that is when your strength is built, in the rest period). I also saw my first wild Tarantula on that ride, that was very creepy but cool. In the next two weeks I will continue a somewhat rigorous training schedule with long rides, steep climbs, spinning at the gym twice a week, and afternoon Yoga once a week.

I know I will learn a lot on this, my first tour. Knowledge that will be priceless when the time comes for my 6 week tour across the country. I will share what I learn with you, I will share all of the journey with you; the laughter, the pain, the tears, the victory, the defeat, the success.