Closer But Further Away

As the 101 creeps closer and I get a bit more excited/worried/nervous/scared out of my mind. Not sure why? This will be my 3rd 101. I know the race, I know what goes down. Maybe that's why I'm nervous!! I mean it's just a ton of climbing, rocks, climbing, gnarly rocky down hills, climbing, rocks, endless forest roads, snakes, bears, and climbing. Pffft! Nothing to worry about!

If this race had been 2 weeks ago I would have been geeked, 'cause I was feeling pretty stoked about my fitness. Now? Not so much. My normal rides have even been a struggle, both physically and mentally. But stranger things have happen on race day. Adrenaline has a way of kicking in and my legs often get some new found energy to sneak my way into the mid pack. Not to mention thoughts of burgers and beer(s) at the finish line.

The Dos Niner is 98% ready for the race. I have to test out a cassette tomorrow to see if there are any issues with a new chain. I wanted to just get the cassette today, but the shop only had an 11/32 in stock and I roll a 11/34. The M'ville shop is gonna get me one from Squirrel Hill just in case, it doesn't work out during tomorrow's a.m. ride. I hope the old one works though, I hate this race week bike drama shit. I actually thought I had more time to get the bike ready. That of course was until this past Sunday morning when I woke up and realized the race was THIS coming Saturday and NOT NEXXXT Saturday (the 8th). Thhhhat through me for a bit of panic. DOH!

But hey, at the end of the day, it's a day on the bike. Can't complain about that. Just need to release the stress, find some race zen, get a ride in the legs tomorrow, and take care of shit as it gets handed to me. There's a saying- "If life hands you a pile of shit. Just throw the shit back in life's face and move on." Or was it something to do with lemons? Nah, gotta be shit. Who would complain about lemons, they taste good. shit doesn't taste good. Either way, time to just let go any stress and focus on enjoying the pain AND the fun that is a hundie, and the 101.

Time to go jump start my Zen and listen to some Yo La Tengo tracks before bed. Mmmm, noisy meandering guitars and noise for 15 minutes. That should drowned out my tinnitus just a bit. Or make it worse? ;)

Later