February 22 -- warm & sunny

Temperature is in the mid to upper 70's today, which feels hot since we are not used to it. Winds are at 10 mph from the NW.

Wayne & Doris got a reasonably early start, leaving around 8:30 or so. They have about 550 miles to go today, straight up I95, so they should easily be there by dinner.

We found a dog sitter for Abby -- this lady keeps up to 15 dogs at a time who all play in the yard and then she has separate little rooms for them at night. Abby was really stressed from the short visit -- we'll see how she does this weekend. Apparently when all the dogs bounded over to check her out, she actually squealed, rolled over on her back ... very submissive as they all sniffed her. We will take Abby to the sitter tomorrow morning before we leave and pick her up on Sunday morning.

The depth finder is now installed, although I'm waiting for the caulking to dry -- hopefully it will support the unit in the drink holder -- if not, I'll epoxy it.

I kept the ride short today and won't ride tomorrow in preparation for the 200k / 130 miles on Saturday. I rode north to Ormond Beach and back. We also have 6 hours of driving tomorrow to get to Bonifay FL, which is due north of Panama City. Sandy is planning to visit her cousin Carol and her husband Alistair, who have a place in Panama City, while I'm riding.

This is my first brevet -- should be interesting. I put the Rolf wheels on the bike and installed new cleats on my shoes -- they were really worn. I had not thought about it before, but the shoes were purchased in April 2001 and they still have the same cleats that I originally installed on them -- they have gone much more than the 5000 miles recommended and they were getting paper thin.

Nutrition -- went out around 11 a.m. after lunch -- 2 water bottles; 1 mini cliff bar @ 25 miles; 1 gel @ 35 miles. This was probably enough -- it was a short ride anyway -- plus I'm still feeling under the weather which makes it harder to eat and drink.

Ride stats -- 50 miles; 17.5 mph.