At full speed

The 2011Amgen Tour of California is underway. This seven stage event is rapidly becoming one of the premier cycling spectacles in US road racing. I have had the good fortune to cover it twice and today sit at my desk wishing I was in Merced. Which is, I believe, the first time I have ever said THAT. Amid rider protests, a blizzard, controversy, contracts, and the painful memory of a recently fallen Giro rider, the AToC is heading South a tutto froza, at full speed, on Day 3. Their new site (link above) is very cool offering almost all the data, info, video (and analysis) one could hope for.

Speaking of cycling spectacles, the lunch and dinner menus have been officially announced for Saturday's ride to Port Townsend. Those wishing to participate will depart from the Bainbridge Athletic Club at 1300. We'll traverse the 43 miles (see yesterdays post for the route), hit the campground and enjoy a refreshing and rejuvenating (and carbo loading for those running the next morning's 12K Rhoddy Run) lunch consisting of the world famous RCVman veggie burritos, potato salad and ice tea. Riders can dine, rest and return, or ride up in one of the two SAG cars and ride back. We aim to accommodate. Dinner by campfire later that evening will be vegetarian stew, with fruit salad and beer. Those of carnivorous persuasion, can slap a steak, if they must. I will not say moo. I am in charge of the beer, so you know it will be good, cold and abundant. That is a guarantee.

Lastly today I would like to leave you with a quote from Matt Fitzgerald, author of the insightful, "Brain Training for Runners", he says: "The only way to know your training workload limit is to exceed it every once in a while."

Want to find out if you can handle the stress of 365 miles in 5 days? Do it.

Want to find out if you can take 440 miles with 17K of gain in 5 days? Do it.

Want to know if you have what it takes to complete a marathon? Run one.

Want to get to the finish line of an Ironman? Start one. (Photo captures this cross-training concept nicely, imho)

What would a 90min HIT spin, 43 mile bike, overnight camp, 12K race and 43 mile ride feel like?

I can tell you, but you should go and do, and see and feel for yourself. You might be surprised at how fun it is and how strong you are. Life:

A tutto forza.