Sep 18 - organizing

Probably the most notable activity yesterday was starting to nail down the hotels for the Florida 1200k ride.  At this point, the pre-post hotel is locked in (Fort Myers Beach Hampton Inn) and the Hampton in Lake Wales for the third night.  I got a contact name overnight from John Preston at the Jupiter La Quinta, and I'll be calling her today.  I'm also going to be calling the person at the Edgewater Best Western.  I have several choices in Key West, the most expensive venue, and confirmed numbers from one.  The ferry arrangements are also underway, pricing agreed-upon.

The biggest logistical issue is transporting bicycles from FMB to Key West.  50 bicycles is a big deal.  We can get some -- up to 15 -- on the ferry, but we'll have to rent a trailer or truck to move the rest.

The interested list is now at 55 and I've got some volunteers lining up.  I'm hoping that translates into a sell-out crowd, which would be 50 riders.  We'll see.  I've got some with firm plans, two riders with flights booked already !  I guess this is real !

I worked out for a while in the basement, concentrating on the shoulder.  It stayed cold outside or at least colder than I wanted to ride, around 50F/10C at best if you were in the sun, much colder if you were in the wind.  This morning it's 0C/32F.  Great.  I'm ready for Tennessee riding and then Florida !

I trimmed Abby's "cone of shame" so that she can get her nose to the ground.  That narrows the cone considerably but still covers the trouble spot.  She's somewhat getting used to it but still just stands there when it butts up against something as she passes by.  Doorways are a problem; she tries to go through too early, misjudging her width.  Poor Abby !

I also organized much of my gear for the TN trip, setting up each of five days of riding -- clothing, food, batteries, bike lube and cleaning etc.  It's organized into three bags -- start with other clothing and two drop bags.  Once in the U.S. I will stop at a Walmart and pick up some throw-away towels, two per drop bag, and some dried fruit to carry with me.  There aren't any services on the Natchez Parkway itself so what's on the cue sheet is it.  Not much.  I figure that I'll be carrying a sandwich/sub at most times.  Oh well.  Been there done that.

Onward ...