Sunday, March 11, 2007
It seems these days my work schedule, my class (Managerial Accounting) and preparations for PacTour are taking all my time.

Thank God for the Internet...I've ordered most of my extra stuff for the trip via the Internet (which includes sun screen, extra cleats, shampoo). I even ordered a replacement Pearl Izumi AmFib tights (my old ones gave up the ghost last week). I wont need the tights for PacTour, but I'll need them when I get back. I did manage a trip to REI to pick up some nutritional items (with their bulk discount, it seems crazy to purchase them anywhere else). Cliff blocks end up 1.50 per package! I picked up some for the trip and some for home.

I've spent most of the weekend doing homework. No ride (although if my road bike wasn't on the disable list I might have been able to sneak out for a short ride). I spent 4 hours today working on the road bike.

1. Trued both the front and back wheels. I was surprised that they were both out of true...not by large amounts...but I was still surprised (I obviously need more practice building wheels). I spent way too much time on this task...especially since the pros take one hour to build a wheel. Both wheels needed more tension as well. I put spoke freeze on the spokes (rear wheel) when I finished (of course I did this 400 miles ago as well ;-).
   
2. Installed (fancy word...makes this sound difficult) new tube and tire on the back wheel.
   
3. Cleaned the chain, cassette, and rest of drive train.
   
4. Adjusted rear brake (it has been loose for a couple of weeks...so just needed to center it and tighten it).

What is left to do before PacTour:

1. Double check front wheel and add spoke freeze
   
2. install front tube and tire
   
3. oil chain
   
4. Check to make sure the cranks and bottom bracket are tight (just a physical test...no tools needed).
   
5. I'd like to rotate my handlebars a bit to make it easier to stay in the drops...of course this means moving the brake levers and re-installing handle-bar tape (I don't really think this is going to happen before PacTour).

I have class Monday night and my final on Friday night. So studying is going to be a major part of my week. I also work late (past 9 pm) on Tuesday. My hope is to get my bike, gear, and clothes packed on Wednesday. Then, maybe I can sneak in a mountain bike ride.

Yes, I'm feeling a bit stressed. I just keep telling myself, although I haven't been riding as much as I'd like, I'm the strongest I've ever been in March! PacTour will be fine...I could be in better shape...but the whole point of PacTour is to help me get into shape. My class next quarter shouldn't be as homework intensive!

I also have a few home projects I want to do when I get back from PacTour. My spring quarter projects include finishing the 6' wood fence (7 sections). Put a patio in the back yard (6'x8') using 2' square pavers. Put up a waterproof ceiling under the deck (to keep stuff less wet). My pipe dreams for spring quarter include a new lighting fixture for the entry way and one for the dining room; as well as a new lighting fixture for the downstairs bathroom (and a new mirror). Those will probably be my summer projects...it seems the home projects never end.

I was talking to a close friend the other night on the phone, and when she heard what my quarter has been like (hectic) she said, yeah...that is just you...get use to it ;-)