Training completed for our 5th STP

Hard to believe it is already here again.  The STP.  Seattle to Portland 210 mile bike ride. 

We trained very diligently.  This spring there were a lot of rainy days, which made it more difficult.  We avoid riding when it is raining if we can for safety reasons.

Starting from the middle of March we rode 75 times.  We were out of town for 14 of those days. 

We rode 1550 miles in that time, averaging a little over 20 miles/ride.

Now, we take it easy for five days, letting everything heal so we will be at our best.

And all that is left is planning, with Jules, our outfits.

That is what Vicky calls them, our "outfits," and whenever she does I tell her:  "I don't wear OUTFITS!  I'm a BOY!"

But I do.  I admit it.

Which cycling shirts?  Which pants?  Several emails to Jules to coordinate.......outfits.

Where else, except cycling, can he-men like us wear "outfits" and get away with it?

This week we will clean the bikes, prepare our gear, and get our food ready (we don't eat much food at rest stops, preferring the more "real" food that Vicky makes that we tote along with us).

It is so much fun.

We are very excited.  This will make our fifth year together riding this ride, and my sixth with Jules.  We have cycled over 9000 miles together in the slightly less than five years we have been married.  The STP provides a yearly goal for this incredible hobby. 

It is all very special.

Here we are after our last ride of the season in preparation. Don't we look happy!!!