What it Takes

Day 26 106 miles from Perry to Vidalia, GA in 6 hours at 17.2 mph. I let the alpha dogs, the fly boys go ahead today as I wanted a slower and easy day today. I was solo most of the way and I had lovely reflection time. A day to smell the roses. I really do enjoy my company, and as Tom would say 'that's good, Eric, because you're probably the only one!'

It takes a bit of moxie, some pluck, and loads of luck to get through an event like this. Most every day you stress your body to the max, give it a few hours to recover, and then do it again. It's fascinating to watch what the body can do when asked to perform at a high level.

You need to train for the ride, obviously, and many things need to fall your way. You need to stay healthy for the month. Even a little cold could worsen and knock you out for a day. And of course, the muscles and tendons need to repair themselves nightly. You need to handle hydration and nutrition. Your butt needs to remain saddle sore free. Those sores took two riders out of the game for parts of the ride.

Your bike needs to remain in solid working order. Muscles need to stay flexible and supple. You need to keep the rubber down, and mind on the goal. Your will needs to stay focused. The weather needs to cooperate to some extent.

All this has all occurred for 17 of us, up to today. Out of the 30 who began this journey, there are 57% who will have completed the ride in full as we make it to the Atlantic tomorrow.