Hiya Gang,
You’re outdoors pushing pedal, indoor spinning, doing cardio, maybe even running and swimming a bit to get yourself ready for the NEC- But what are you missing? What haven’t you thought of? What are you neglecting?

YOUR BIKE!!!!!!!!!
NOW is the time to call your bike shop and schedule an appointment for a COMPLETE tune-up. You’re going to be without it for a day or two, and I know it sucks, but you’ll get over it… You’ll walk it off, and be a stronger person for the sacrifice. You’re eating lots of protein, carbo loading, having an extra salad, drinking beverages with that nasty wheatgrass crap in it, and so-called “Recovery drinks” that taste like Korean War Era sardines, with a dash of armpit… But what are you doing for your bike, other than beating the snot out of it two or three nights a week, and at least once on the weekend?

NOTHING!!!!!!
Take care of your second-most important piece of equipment by bringing it in for a thorough physical, to make sure it’s going to be with you all the way. While it doesn’t really matter where you bring it as long as they’re reputable, I’d like to recommend seeing Emily at Hub Bicycle in Cambridge for those close to Boston, (Like Lulu and I did) or Jerry at Jerry’s Bike Barn in Berwick ME for those more Northeast of town. Why them? Well, number one, because they both know their stuff… Went to technical schools and colleges and have degrees and stuff… Number two; because they’re both sponsors and long time supporters of the NEC and the ADA with their time, and wrenchin’ skills, and number three; because they close their shops to VOLUNTEER for the NEC- They LOSE money to come along with us- Don’t bring a “1976 Get off and walk, Turd-cruiser deluxe” that hasn’t seen the inside of a shop since the Carter Administration along and ask them to tune it for free… They’re along to FIX things that break, not do the maintenance you neglected to do beforehand.

You’re working hard to bring a trained body with you in July… Don’t neglect the second most important thing you’ll need… Get a tune-up.

Keep the wind at your back, and the down-hills in front of you!
GearMan