"Training Log" 08/02/2015-08/08/2015

This week consisted of daily bike commutes and my PBP training ride, Plainfield-Morgan Monroe Forest-Plainfield.  This week was actually my last "big ride" before Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP).  Next week I plan on resting, then the week after is the big show. I'm I ready? Good question...  I feel very strong on the hills and I feel strong when I get back home.  A 150 mile ride for is no longer a big deal.  I've worked on my hydration and calorie intake and I have it down to a science.  Really if I'm not prepared by now I won't be prepared in two weeks. 

I've been riding my bike loaded with everything I plan on riding with during PBP and I think I'm ready in this category.  My bike is ready, my gear is ready, hopefully I'll be ready.  The logistics just getting to Paris was a pain and hopefully the actual ride is less stressful. 

My checklist is complete and I don't plan on changing anything. I know where everything is, I know what it will be like to ride with my gear and food, and it wouldn't be prudent to change anything.  It's getting close and I'm getting excited.

By bike: 226
By feet: 0

PBP Gear check:

       Bags:

• Arkel handlebar bag.  It's small, but small bags force you to pack less.  In this bag will be a a quick access puncture kit, tubes, and some quick nutrition. 
• Revelate seat bag.  This bag will have cloths, other tools, and the remainder of the between controls nutrition. 

      Cloths:

• Frogg Togg shell (I take everywhere) Waterproof and warm. The shell doesn't compress well so I strap it to my rear rack.
• Wool short sleeve shirt. 
• Bike shorts
• 3 pairs of socks.
• A pair of wool gloves with a couple pair of rubber glove shells. 
• Long tights
• Reflective vest and ankle bands
• Light cotton long sleeve button shirt  
• Bike gloves

      Tools/tubes:

• Multi-tool
• adjustable wrench
• allen set
• spare crank bolt
• 2 tire levers
• pump
• 2 spare tubes
• patch kit
• 2 chain links
• rag
• zip ties
• spoke wrench
• duct tape
• plastic bags

      Accessories:

• 2 red lights
• 1 dyno front light
• 1spare battery front light
• 3 water bottles 
• rear rack
• 8 spare AA batteries
• 6 spare AAA batteries
• zip lock bag for phone, wallet, and brevet card
• Laminated cue sheet
• GPS with French maps and route
• 200 Euros
• sunglasses and clear glasses
• cycling cap and helmet
• head lamp
• Backup power supply

      Food:

• 15 Cliff bars/block combo
• 20 recoverer drink mixes 
• Tums

     Things to do: (Green highlight = complete)

• Install new tires
• Install new shift cable and housing
• Install new brake pads
• Look into new dyno hub/bought dyna hub.
• Buy and install new chain
• Buy French maps for GPS
• Doctor PBP cue sheets 
• Look into battery USB backups
• Bubble wrap for bike transport
• Eye droppers for chain lube
• Butter container 
• Tums  
• Build Dyna wheel
• Route GPS