One week to go. I’m hoping that all of my off-bike training is enough to get my Clydesdale self through 101 miles of the Gran Fondo San Diego. We’ve had record-setting snowfall here in Pennsylvania so I haven’t had many miles on the bike. According to my Training Peaks account I’ve only logged 114 miles on the road so far this year. I’ve done a few more hours on the trainer but that still doesn’t add up to much! We’ll see what happens. I’m sure that the guys I’m riding with and I will survive but I doubt we’ll set any personal records…
OK, so here’s the fun part – I’ll be taking a flip video camera, along with a digital camera, to capture all of the fun. I’ve promised to cover the Gran Fondo in exchange for a loaner bike that I’ll review. (I paid my own way for the entry fee and expenses.) Looks like I’ll have a Colnago CX-1 to ride and review. The CX-1 certainly looks speedy and comes with Colnago’s substantial pedigree. The last time I rode a Colnago it was made of steel and the brake cables came out through the top of the brake levers. It probably had toe clips and straps, too. I’m sure that the CX-1 will be a different ride. I can’t wait to get my hands on it.
I’ll be taking my ISM Breakaway review saddle with me. I’m loving the saddle so far. A couple of days of riding, including one day of 101 miles, should be enough for me to give the readers lots of input on the saddle.
I’ll also be trying out some new nutrition products. I’ve heard about Hornet Juice on some podcasts and wanted to give it a try. Hornet Juice claims to activate the metabolism of fat and thus reduce the need to burn glycogen. Given the calorie needs for a ride like the Gran Fondo, I’m thinking around 7000-8000 calories for my Clydesdale butt, burning fat for fuel should help to get me through the ride. Like most Clydesdales I have a few extra calories of fat to burn. I’ll see if Hornet Juice helps burn some fat off. I’m also giving Motor Tabs a try for the Gran Fondo. In the future I’ll be getting Motor Tabs at a reduced cost but for the Gran Fondo I’ll have to pick some up at a local shop. (It looks like the popularity of Motor Tabs has left them out of stock at the warehouse. I had placed an order but they’re waiting for more to come in…)
That’s it for now. More from the Gran Fondo and lots of product reviews when I get home!