hydrate. stretch. and breathe.

As Les mentioned in her post, this last week has been all about last-minute PMC purchases- tire patch kits, extra bike shorts, mini witches' hats, etc. All the running around has led to a constant state of nervous excitement. And apparently it's not just Les and I that are feeling it. In this final week, Billy Starr has emailed me more than David Plouffe during campaign season. The emails have felt like random brain dumps covering everything from parking, to rider etiquette, to weather forecasts. The emails have been trickling in every few hours with no apparent forethought as to the next "pressing" issue.

Finally, this morning, Billy sent out what he at least claims will be the last pre-ride email. It read:

"Thank you for taking part in the 30th year PMC. Everybody wins on this weekend based on the nature of the work and the cause. But in the heat of the moment, with 5,000 riders on the roads, the big picture can, sometimes, get lost. Please remember:

1. ROADS ARE OPEN to vehicular traffic even though we enjoy comprehensive law enforcement support through the 46 towns we travel.
2. MOVE OVER - that means single file or into the breakdown lane - for a passing car or a faster cyclist who, firmly but endearingly states "ON YOUR LEFT"
3. NO LITTER anywhere: your cycling jersey has pockets. Use them.
4. NO IPODS OR HEADPHONES ARE ALLOWED while riding
5. SUNDAY MORNING BEFORE 6AM - keep the conversation down. Remarkably, some people are still sleeping in the communities through which we travel.
6. START HYDRATING NOW - cut down on alcohol. Stretch. Breathe.

Enjoy your PMC. You have earned it."

The message was pretty simple, but I thought it was the perfect conclusion to his barrage of updates. It *is* easy to lose sight of the big picture in the rush of an event like this, which is why just the other day Les and I were reminding each other that we'd have to check in with ourselves throughout the weekend to make sure we are fully appreciating the experience. I would never claim that the 192 miles will be easy, but I know they're going to pass much faster than one might think, especially when compared to the months of training and thought that have led up to this single weekend.

But first thing's first. For the next 24 hours we just need to hydrate. stretch. and breathe. A seemingly simple equation but one that really does require effort as anticipation continues to mount.

hydrate. stretch. and breathe.
hydrate. stretch. and breathe.

*Then* we ride.

And what a ride it will be.