The clouds sweeping by in puffy, grey lines added a dose of drama to the quiet Flower moon — now just a tad past full. A few stars and planets winked through as a aperture would briefly open. Sandy and I enjoyed a quiet (Wednesday morning), saunter while gazing aloft at the moon and snuffing and huffing for goodies alone the tree line. A light southeasterly breeze carried the scent of blossoms and cooled us a bit and, as we turned for home, the first birdsongs of morning began to fill the quiet landscape with the chirps and squeaks and trills of the season…

Good morning everyone. Just a bit over 48 hours now…

On the agenda today: Bike Loading: 3-7PM at MVCC.Please make sure your top tube number is fixed to the top tube…it’s a must. If you need a last minute packing refresher check my Monday spot on Training Wheels.

And now a word from John, Paul, George and Ringo…

“I can show you
That when it starts to rain
Everything’s the same
I can show you….”

I know; who KNOWS what John had running through his system when he wrote those lines? But those few lines are a pretty fair summation of how we react to it too, Sticking with the British view; we shall “Keep Calm and Carry On.”

Oh, sure, we might ease the pace a bit and it tends to be a conversation killer but a warm rain won’t stop us. Now, if conditions grow volatile and the lightning comes we’ll “…run and hide our heads” ’til it passes and we may safely proceed.

We have various plans and options for poor weather but, most importantly, from years of experience, I can assure you we can get through a wet day and the kids, well THEY still think it’s FUN to play in the rain…so you KNOW they’ll be ready to greet us.

And there’s a chance we may get through the brunt of our day not concerning ourselves with the water from without but with releasing and replacing the water within; ’cause it will be warm.

We haven’t had too many, if any, hot days in the saddle this spring. But simply, if it’s hot and sticky we need to stay hydrated and regulate and dump internal heat. Now, our jersey’s have these clever little items called zippers on them; they work quite well as a means for allowing heat to escape and to catch a bit of air coming in. Most everyone’s rain gear has vent panels and the ever handy “pit zips” on the sleeves…open ’em up.. Another great way to dump heat and funnel cool air.

So, now that you’ve got the releasing part sortied; ket’s talk replacing.

If you haven’t already mastered the potation while pedaling procedure; Friday may very well be Graduation Day for you. As my pal Dr. Ritter will tell you…and tell you…and tell you…alright Marc; alright…I’m drinking: “KEEP DRINKING!”

If you get to a school and don’t need to…ahem… “go” … you’re not drinking enough.

Suck the bottles dry between legs; refill at the stops; don’t forget to have a bit of Gatorarde to replace the electrolytes …eat some fruit; eat some M&M’s…eat some nuts. They’re not just snacks; they’re fiber, water, sugar , salt.

As an outpatient surgery nurse, whom I dubbed “The Russian Judge” one instructed my bride: “Eat! Drink! Pee! Go Home!!” …or to the next stop as the case may be. (And, not necessarily in that order; the potty may be calling louder than the cashews.)

TO RECAP:

  • Prepare for moisture from without while managing and venting moisture (and heat) from within.
  • Take care of business (Does anyone but me hear Randy Bachman in the background?)
  • Replace the fluids, sugars and salts with as much intent as you “expel” the heat and moisture;
  • Go say hi to the children (ALWAYS);
  • Finger squeegee the lenses on your shades; mount up and roll off to the next stop….

Enjoy your day gang!

Okay “Fab Four;” take us out…

“…Can you hear me
That when it rains and shines
It’s just a state of mind
Can you hear me
Can you hear me.”

Comments