Preparing for this challenge has been a challenge in and of itself. We have had a very severe winter that precluded any thought of getting the bike out on the roads. My last bike ride was on November 31st. At that time I was in very good riding shape and had logged nearly 4000 miles for the season (a season best for me). My plan was to "maintain" my overall level of conditioning into March and stay off of the bike. I have spent an average of 5 days per week, 2 hours per day in what for me, have been intensive work outs. Generally it has included an hour on an eliptical machine where I concentrated on cardiovascular fitness and an hour of weight lifting where I concentrated on core and upper body strength along with some leg strength. Overall I believe I have met my goal of maintaining, if not improving my level of conditioning. Now that March has finally arrived I will begin to be able to get back on the bike and find out if I am in the shape that I think I am!!
