Well you've managed to find my Tour de Kota blog. If you received a notfication via e-mail that there was a new posting here, and you would prefer to not have that happen again, please e-mail me or Wags to let us know.
I write this on Saturday evening, just hours before we leave the YMCA wellness center on the Tea-Ellis road in western Sioux Falls. I have mixed feelings about this ride for several reasons.
First, I have not had the training time I feel I need to prepare for a ride of this magnitude. I have ridden less than 200 miles this season, so I'm a little concerned about how my body is going to handle a multi-day ride. Since I've ridden several multi-day rides in the past, I know what I'm in for, so I'm sure I'll be OK.
Second, the actual route seems to be a little less spectacular than I had hoped. Maybe it's because I'm from SD, and have ridden many of these roads before. Maybe it's because the route seems pretty straight during most days, and I'd rather turn from time to time, especially if there's a head-wind!
Third, the weather forecast doesn't seem too favorable. Although I do not mind riding in the rain at all, I hope the temperature is warm enough to keep us from chilling to the bone.
Fourth and final, and many people would argue this point, I'm used to RAGBRAI and the amazing numbers of people that go on that ride. The so-called kick off party tonight was *LAME*! There just doesn't seem to be any people around at all! Maybe I'll change my mind about this as the week progresses, but I personally love the excitement of riding with 10,000+ people. I know this comes with lines and long waits for everything, but that is part of the whole experience, and I doubt this ride is going to hold up to the RAGBRAI experience. With that said, I know that is the very same reason many people choose TDK over RAGBRAI, but hey, that's the beauty of free will and being a unique human being, we all have our own taste and individual traits.
But with all these points in mind, I am still very much looking forward to hitting the pavement in the morning. There really is nothing like riding a vehicle under your own power from place to place with so many other people who enjoy the same thing! The views (even in SD) can be amazing! The sounds are inspiring! The smells range from outdoor freshness to those crowd pleasing cattle and hog farm smells.
I'll be posting our daily observations, thoughts, complaints and findings as we make this trek from Sioux Falls to Mitchell, Chamberlain, Highmore, Huron, Brookings and back to Sioux Falls. There may even be a picture or two. So, if you're interested in our ride, this will be the place to keep up with us during Tour de Kota 2008!
Check back tomorrow evening after we make our 70 mile trek to Mitchell!
Kyle & Wags
1 comment:
For selfish reasons, I would like Kyle to be home during this week - especially with the rain and lightening he's bound to experience. However, as a supportive wife, I will redirect my emotional energy to wish him the best possible ride (despite the obvious moisture in the air). Ride like the wind honey!!! And enjoy your time on the road.
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