We have less than four weeks until the bike trip. Things are starting to come together. People are being very generous with their donations. Since this is the 35th year of the Trial Academy I am challenging each of the 35 faculties to pledge at least $1000. The Campbell's Souperstars (my faculty) has reached the goal, as has Bruce Parker's faculty.
The training is coming along too. This weekend I tried doing long rides both days. On Saturday I did 46 miles on a rail trail similar to what we will be riding. Sunday I did a local event called Pedal Pittsburgh. I did a 60 mile ride. It's a very neat event that goes by architecturally significant buildings in the city. It is also a very challenging ride. Pittsburgh is a very hilly city. There were many big climbs. The last 10 miles had the toughest climbs up to a neighborhood called Mt. Washington. Stritty got back on his bike after the tree disaster. He breezed through the 50 mile ride. Sam Foreman, who is also planning on joining us for the ride, did the 50 as well.
We met up with many different local characters. One was Dan Oshop. Dan rode a bike around the world a few years back. He has also done most of the trails that we will be doing in the trip. Dan gave us some good advice.
We will have another couple weeks of trained, do some anti-rain dances and be ready for the ride.
