On the eve of the the Tour de France prologue, I look forward to the challenge of riding 2,218 miles over the next 23 days. Last year I averaged 18.22 mph for the tour and I hope to do a little better this year. My preparation has included riding 2,925 miles this year to date including just finishing up 100 miles every other day seven times with about 30 miles on the off days. Last year I prepared with about the same number of miles, but only had three century rides. This year, after the first three centuries, they became fairly easy with one at 18.6 mph average. I hope that this will give me a good start to the tour and make the tough first 8 stages consisting of 960 miles go smoothly. Last year, the first week was difficult and only got easier as I adapted and got stronger for the second and third week.

The prologue tomorrow is a short time trial of 4.9 miles. Last year I averaged 23.24 mph for the 4.4 mile prologue. Tomorrow will be some indication of how fit I am.