I just picked up my Trek 5200 bicycle from the bike shop. They had to
replace the chain (which I had just replaced myself) in order to get it to
shift right. They also replaced many of the nipples on the rear wheel. I
was planning to use that bike on the Furnace Creek 508, but now I am
planning to take two bikes, just in case. So I will be riding most of the
ride on my new Trek and keep the 5200 for a backup.

I had put a SRAM chain on before, after I had replaced the crank set and the
cassette. I guess it did not work as a Shimano chain should because I never
was able to get it to shift smoothly. Hence I took it into the bike shop
and while I was there I had them check the whole bike. It was a good thing
because that bike has about 27,000 miles on it and I needed it looked at by
a professional.

I plan to be the fastest 59 year old on the 508 race. That is because I
will be the only 59 year old! There are 5 racers that are 58 years old, and
even 4 that are 61 years old, but for the 59 year old racers, it is only me.

Some interesting stats. There are 202 racers from 7 countries and 22
nationalities. There are 15 two man teams entered but only 3 in the 50+
category. I guess that means we will place!

Categories: Furnace Creek 508