Prologue

The prologue went ok. I wanted to ride a fairly flat section with about equal headwind and tailwind. I thought that there was going to be a slight tailwind on the last 3/4ths of the course so I started on a section where there was a long upgrade with the idea that that disadvantage would equalize with the tailwind advantage later on. It turned out that it was a very slight headwind. Anyway, I averaged 22.66 mph for the 4.91 miles and felt pretty strong throughout. The two friends that I ride with (Bill and Andrew) took off ahead of me before I started the time trial. That made it fun because I could then try to catch them which I did after about 2.5 miles. My heart rate was between 168 and 175 for the distance.

I put a new rear tire on and a new chain so I shouldn't have to change them again until after the tour ends (barring hitting glass on the road).

Stage 1 tomorrow is 126.14 miles which I hope to do at 17.5 to 18 mph. I want to be sure that I take it fairly easy at the beginning. I will start at about 4:50 am which is 42 minutes before sunrise so it will be getting light and I will have to fight the heat less by starting early. It is predicted to be sunny with a high of 94 degrees and a SW wind of 3 to 10 mph.