Training

Training for the trip has been tough as winter set into Chicago early and strong.  This has sent my training endeavors indoors.  Last year at this time I was training for my cross country ride by doing spinning classes at a full service gym.  That was adequate at best.  Spinning classes were quite boring and tedious.  I always found myself looking at the clock and wanting the time to go quicker because it felt like exercise.  This year I found Full Psycle, a cycle spin center that is focused on cycling, much better than the gym.  They have an electronic board that you can watch your stats while you spin.  It is great to push yourself and maintain a focus.  I started by doing 3 classes a week but once I saw the calendar of miles for the trip, I quickly went to 4 per week.  Now I am doing 5 with classes on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and a double on Saturday.  The double is great because it gives me a drive for endurance.  All in all I will be as ready as I ever could be to take the trip on.  12 days til departure!