My bike is packed and I just need to cushion it well with my cycling clothes in strategic places and I will feel better about it withstanding the whole 'in transit' experience. It always feels better once I get to my destination and can unpack and reassemble it, take a quick test ride and know that it's as ready to ride as I am!
Luckily I won't be under time pressure to get ready once I arrive in Atlanta; there's a dinner Friday night where we'll get our rider packets, route maps/cue sheets and hear about any last minute route changes. Extended forecast shows temps in the 80's, some clouds and wind doesn't seem to be a factor, thankfully. Usually, there are chances of thunderstorms in the afternoon, so I'll just have to get started early and pedal hard to finish before that kind of trouble!
I'm excited too about seeing the scientists and researchers from the Emory Vaccine Center - the beneficiary of our fundraising efforts. They are working so hard and making extraordinary progressive; I've been working hard in training and fundraising so that I can support their vital efforts.
As ever, I am a trustworthy steward of your donation; I pay my own travel costs and this is a completely volunteer ride effort (organizing committee, riders, road crew, medical staff, corporate sponsors underwriting ride costs of food and supplies), so that 100% of the money raised from this ride will directly fund developing preventive and therapeutic HIV vaccines as well as clinical trials.
When I'm finished riding on Sunday night and able to sit without pedaling, I'll look forward to hearing an update :)
Tailwinds!
Mary
