Kelli Diane

Most of our day has been spent tricking out the tandem for our ride tomorrow. Cycling computer is ready to go, my super-cool Terry saddle has been moved and pedals have been switched up. Unfortunately, the road tandem we had reserved had an “accident” last week and when Montlake Bike called to let us know, they promised us a brand new touring tandem. The differences are minimal, mainly in the components, frame style and straight handlebars, but we’ll manage.

As a test ride, we hitched up the trailer and cruised into Ballard with Dillon, attracting quite a bit of attention as we managed to navigate the locks with our long train of a bike. A quick trip to the bike shop for new water bottles, chain oil and a spare tube provided the last few items we needed. Back over the locks to see the fish coming through the ladder before we cranked back up the hills into Magnolia.

Tomorrow’s day one will end up being quite a bit longer than we’d planned. With Dillon teething and running a fever, we don’t want to wake him up for the early trip over to the start line. Instead, we’ll ride the ten miles or so, in hopes of leaving the UW by 6:00 am. Because of another mishap with our overnight host-family, we’re looking at an additional 20 miles or so on the end of the day.

Although I had really hoped to have far more training in by now, including some long days and a century behind me, I figure I’m lucky to be making this ride at all. At just under seven weeks out from my fall, I’m feeling really good and have nearly all motion back in my shoulder, though with limited strength. With a beer, pool and spa waiting for me at the end of what will surely be a long day, somehow I’ll manage to pull through. And if necessary, I can always kick my feet up and let my dad do the work.