Thanks Merlin,

yeah I guess I knew that it would be too little too late. I had the best intentions for training hard but work just got in the way. That being said I'm in the best cycling shape I've been in and unlike last year I know that I'll be able to complete the first day... it's how I'll be on the second that has me scared witless!

thanks for the advice on final week, I had thought that people recommended a couple of rest days, but I prefer to have a short ride I think on Friday