Today is my first ever bicycle race. It is local, in Greenwich, 20 miles. There are different categories and starts, depending on each racer's expected time. The elite group which will be the first riders out is expected to finish in under 55 minutes.  That is an average speed of over 20 mph, including some hills with a 9% grade.  That isn't my group. I am going to need more than 55 minutes, for sure.

To prepare I wanted to lose a few pounds. Less to pull up those hills. That did not work out very well, especially after having pizza and ice cream with my little grandchildren last night.

I should probably aspire to do really well and give myself an Italian race name today, like in Breaking Away. The truth is I will be happy to finish without bleeding.

Off to the Tour de Greenwich.