RTR 2010 - Day 5 Lessons Learned

1) Trucks are your friend
Here's what I've been doing when trucks pass me on the road (in addition to hugging the right side of the shoulder).

If the truck is going in the same direction, shift to a higher gear and pedal faster. When the rush of wind from the truck hits you, it will slingshot you forward.

If the truck is going in the opposite direction, keep your pedaling cadence consistent and get in an aero position (lean forward, hands in the drops and keep your head low). The rush of wind from the truck shoul pass right over you. Be patient - it takes a few seconds after the truck passes you for the wind to hit you.

2) Carry your cell phone charger with you at all times. You never know where you'll find an outlet (yesterday, I charged my phone at the Mongolian BBQ while eating lunch after the ride).

3) Thank the volunteers every time you get the chance!! They're giving up a lot of their own time to support the ride and aren't having nearly as much fun as you are.

4) Go back to visit Ouray - it rocks!!!

5) Scope out the camp site each day for the following:
- power outlets
- indoor bathrooms and showers
- a camping spot near a building (the temp near the buildings is about 10 degrees warmer which I nice at night and in the morning)

6) Be generous with sunscreen

7) Be generous with encouragement along the route - there's nothing better than hearing someone tell you that you're doing an awesome job while grinding up a mountain pass at a snails pace.

8) Recommended order of doing things when rolling into the campsite:

1 - ride around and find a good camping spot (somewhere near the baggage trucks so you don't have to haul your bag too far)
2 - mark your spot with your bike and grab your bag from the truck. If they're not finished unloading - give them a hand.

3 - set up your tent and mix/drink your recovery drink.

4 - head to the shower trucks an grab a shower - the sooner, the better. You'll feel like a million bucks after a shower.

5 - re-apply sunscreen

6 - wash out your bottles for the day

7 - grab your cell phone charger and follow your nose to the nearest grill for lunch.

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