Hi Slowbee, +1 to all that you have mentioned above. At this stage the plan was to get used to riding on these horrifically corrugated roads on an aero bar. It has been an adjustment. The plan is to go fully kitted by mid September. The bags are stuffed full of t shirts and are ready to be mounted. I took a test ride the other day and have to agree that ity changes everything. The bike weighs 9.8kg. there is a massive difference wthen it is loaded. As far as training is concerned, I do 5 sessions with my gym instructor each week. We concentrate on core strength and conditioning. Eugene my trainer consults with Gavin Horton to keep him informed as to what we are up to. For anybody who is interested, Eugenes training can be viewed on You Tube by searching Eugene Daamen Perfect Pulse. The oke has a pretty straight forward system. Either you want to do it or you dont. When you walk through his doors, you train hard you train serious. If you dont want to, please train elsewhere. I cannot describe the difference that I have noticed in 3 months training with him. My major issues and concerns at this stage. Hydration - I rode 100km last Saturday on one bottle, I rode the second 100km on 5 bottles. I fear running out of water in the middle of nowhere in that incredible heat. Sleep, Mental - My head has to be right. I think it is, but will it be in 43 degree heat with headwind, a lack of sleep and 120km to the next race village? I really have to complete this ride. There is an enormous target on my back.
