Mar 2-24 - Marching On

March is flying by. 2x400k's under my belt so far this month and another coming up tomorrow. 

The first was the central Florida 555, a looping ride that hits all the possible hills from both directions and somehow makes a Florida 400k seem like a climb fest. This time it was also a wind fest, contrary wind at that. I finished up with Paul Rozelle, Jim Solanick and one other; we brought up the rear at about 21:45. 

I finished the Gainesville 400k on the stroke of midnight for a time of 20 hours. There were only 5 of us and I rode alone, again bringing up the rear.  It was memorable for the huge lightening light show that I watched for the last 2 hours, the Doppler showing that I would cross paths with it on my approach to Gainesville. I really lucked out as it dumped its load just before I came in and I only saw wet roads. 

Jerry had met me at the hotel the day before and we went out to dinner with Susan Gryder, her daughter Jade, and Scott Manning.  Jerry and I have been riding daily here in NSB.

Assuming that I finish the 400k tomorrow (well, the next day), I'll be the first one in ... and the last ... as it's a UAF 400k.  All 10 of us signed up will be riding together.  It starts at 8am Saturday and is supposed to finish at 7am on Sunday. 

I have new glasses and I guess that they're ok.  Replacement lenses have been ordered for my sunglasses and riding glasses to complete the picture. I'm still getting used to these.

Sheryl checks out of her place tomorrow and will join us for a few days.  Canada has dropped its covid-test-on-entry requirement for the fully vaccinated, effective April 1, so she's waiting for that.

I filed my taxes last week and I'm planning on doing the RUSA version next week.  A pain but it has to be done.  Most of the prep work is complete, I think, as I had to do that for the American Randonneur magazine.

We went to Bradenton to visit with Nancy & Ron and also went to Sarasota to see some dance, so two trips down that way in quick succession.  We stayed overnight after the dance. 

What else ... hmmm ... that's about all that's significant ... oh, the M5 is running better with the replacement throttle actuator and sensors but, IMO, not 100%.  The X5 went to Sarasota while the M5 was with Greg at BMWWerks; the M5 went to Bradenton. 

I haven't been able to nail down any European travel plans yet.  Japan is still closed.  South Africa is a mess.  Who knows.

Onward, hopefully.