Okay, I'm normal again. Worked last night (awake 24 hours), slept today, spent time with the hubby, went to the cinema. Now back to biking. After re-reading everyones responses, my heart is beating rapidly. I can't wait.
Late & JWP: I would love to fly in early, but I made plane reservations already through Expedia and the tickets are non-refundable or exchangeable. I will be getting in on Friday night and the ride starts on Sunday. It is a real shame I didn't think this through--I have a nephew who lives in Denver who would enjoy my company
I have some Atkins vitamins that I never used--will check to see about iron content.
Paramount Scapin: For some reason the LBS told me I couldn't exchange hubby's wheels for mine. It broke my heart when I bought him a nicer and more expensive bike than my own for Christmas. Even more so, since he has only been on it one time. (He doesn't ride in the cold and his leg is currently in a cast and he is waiting for surgery on his shoulder-excuses, excuses.) If I can, I will exchange wheels, if not--I will still "borrow" his tires. Just wondering how the downhills will feel with lighter wheels, will I loose some control?
Fujitive: I will not go the gym. Thank you, I love sports but hate to work out.
Braumeister: I will write a note to practice forcing out CO2. I will practice next week.
Blwyn: Asprins will be in my camel bak. Do I take regular strength or the lower dosage like heart patients?
Denver: Thank you so much for mentioning the weather. I have frozen so many times on rides when the weather has changed. Even my training ride, the day started at 65 degrees, I was @10 miles from Lake Michigan. When I got closer, I added leg & arm warmers and then a wind breaker. I had to stop at a gas station and buy some cotton work gloves as my fingers were frozen. Next I found a re-sale shop and started to buy a men's knit tie to cover my ears, when the saleslady found a hat. We cut it down so it would fit under my helmet. I plan on taking vinyl raincoat, arm and leg warmers. I used mittens and heat packs during the winter. Do you have any suggestions for warm gloves/mittens?
My bike will be going through a retrofit unfornately. On TOSRV on May10 & 11 the back hub housing became damaged and I am waiting for the parts to come in. The bike shop is also replacing the cables as they have to keep adjusting both the front and rear derailers. I am definately going to learn to do my own adjustments as I know the cable will stretch. I will have about 400 miles on the new equipment before Pedal to the Peaks.
Although I did not specifically train for this ride, I did ride most of the winter and have ridden @2000 miles this year including a double-century. (That's with 5 weeks off after surgery on 2/24.) I have been involved in dance roller-skating for the last 20 years and have leg muscles that rival most men. My main concern is breathing with the altitude and the asthma. Hopefully the lower gearing will compensate. Thank you again everyone.