In January, I registered for the Tour de Kota with one click. That was the only easy segment of my TdK experience. With the purchase of my road bike, I basically sealed the deal that this bike ride through SD would be in my future. The Tour traveled through Webster last year, and I helped our kids earn money for D-Camp by peddling peanut butter cookies and Chex Mix. As I watched the bikers mingle, seeing folks of all ages, shapes, and sizes, I kept saying to myself, "If these people can do this, I should be able to do this." I bought my bike in August and rode a bit in the fall. It took but one 40 mile training ride for my respect for this sport to grow immensely. It can be brutal!
With a wet and chilly April, I didn't really get out biking until May. I found myself having to squeeze rides in between school, track meets, and family. I grew increasinlgy nervous about putting in the recommended 400 training miles. Having to make up snow days that last week of May really threw a wrench into my training schedule. Though, by the time it was all said and done, I logged 525 miles. I started using the phrase, "cautiously optimistic" about the Tour. I knew I lacked the longs rides and hills, but I felt that my running regimine would pay off. I've been at 3.5 miles per day either outside or on the treadmill since fall. Knowing that the longest ride on the Tour was 77 miles, I took a personal day in May to take a 78 mile ride to Groton and back. The kids were just finishing breakfast before heading off to school and I headed west about 7:30. I was sitting at Dairy Queen at 10, with my banana bread and water. What a shame to be at DQ with no money- note to self - need a cash stash in the bike pack. I rested for about 15 minutes, then climbed back on the saddle and was home about 1:00 with 66 miles under my belt. I had some eggs and since it was a calm day, I headed out to Rush Lake to get in an extra 11 miles. I figured that last mile was for the Lord as I prayed daily for fair weather and calm winds the week of the Tour. I trained almost daily for the next three weeks. Each day either running in the morning or biking about 10 miles, then biking 20+ after school. On the weekends, I tried to get in a few longer rides of 40-50. Soon it was time to pack for the Tour.
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