Hola Amigos... hope all is set for the ride... congrats on
getting it rolling again this year. Please wish all a great ride... we are
sending the best weather we have... it left here yesterday, so it could get
there by Sunday morning!
Perhaps I could vicariously send a safety message through
you... based on an experience I had today, here in Mexico. I have been
increasing my mileage here in the mountains, and feeling very good... like many
that will be on the ride with you this week. Unfortunately, my conditioning led
me to some carelessness today... I logged 70km, mostly in rain (we sent the good
weather to you yesterday) with my rain gear on... I was wearing my camelback...
since my crash in February (that analysis leads us to believe that was caused
more by my being under-hydrated and therefore light-headed than my proximity to
the bus that I originally blamed the crash on I have been trying to hydrate more
effectively.
After a hard 70, mostly concentrating on staying upright, I
climbed to my home (about a 12% half km) and then showered, ate and promptly
fainted! My BP was 86/44 and I was seriously dehydrated! Had I gone the 100
planned km, likely I would have fainted, while riding... due to dehydration! And
had another helmet testing crash! In the rain! With almost 2 liters of water
remaining in my camelback!
Please remind the riders of hydration and helmets...
remembering my helmet had six breaks in it after another dehydration
situation... that time at 90F. Is it age, cockiness, mindlessness that causes
this weak thinking... any way, it could still cause a serious accident...
Ride safely... I will follow the tour, while cheering for
Ryder in the other Tour...
Best... BRuce (& Lynnda Ross)
Ajijic, Mexico
************************
FROM POLAND
I have seen your web site and I am up to date with all the information of the Tour du Lac.
My fingers are crossed for a successful ride.
My family and I wish all the cyclists good health, good luck and a happy return home.
Then we wish you lots of rest and good memories from your adventure.
Dorota, Jacek, Hubert & Oliver
(Carol & Barry's cousins)
Annopol, Poland
