It is a couple of months since my cycling challenge across the Pyrenees. However, my take outs from the ride are still very much at the front of my mind. An obvious take away, perhaps, this time but fundamental: Proper prep is essential for smooth execution
In the last post, I sang the praises of the Marmot tour guides for having thought through actions for the unexpected. After the lesson I learned on day 1, I reminded myself that despite being tired and hungry when I finished a day’s riding, I needed to consider the prep I needed to do for tomorrow.
It was great that my hire bike was checked by the guides every night and morning so I did not have to worry about this!
I started my prep for the next day as soon as I got off my bike. Think ahead! What kit did I need to wash and get dry? Make sure tomorrow’s kit is ready, both what I will wear and what will be needed in my day bag. Gadgets on charge. In the morning, it was a stretch – boy was I stiff. Water bottles to fill with electrolyte drink (see lesson 2). Have I left enough time for breakfast? Get the route locked and loaded on my Garmin. And, ideally, some spare time for faffing.
As I have frequently learned, re-learned and had reinforced, inside and outside business, proper preparation is essential for smooth execution.
Amongst others, I mainly cycled with Robert Cole John Kellett Mike Phillips and we were superbly guided by Marmot Tours
