Snapped Cable Broken Chain; Things I've learned biking

So hello everyone! The jersey's are IN! And they look fabulous! We'll try to post a picture of them soon.

Jesse and I have been training our butts off as I can see all of you have been too! We made an 80 mile ride as fun as possible in 90 degree heat last Friday by making a few stops at family and friends houses. While most of you have been training in the rain I'm not sure we've had more than one day of rain here in Redding over the last few months. We are expecting temperatures up to 114 degrees this week! That kind of heat moves you beyond the enjoyment of biking to simply just getting through it, and I think it is just as oppressive as rain. I'm sure you can imagine we have quite some humorous tan lines, anyway. At one point earlier in the season I was looking down at my hands and I could not figure out why I had dark spots on each of them in the same place. It took me a few days to finally figure out they were tan spots from where my gloves didn't fully cover the skin.

Things I've learned about biking:
1.) It is possible for a shifting cable to snap (and it's not fun when it does about 10 miles out)
2.) If you are having problems shifting it could be the cable (mentioned above), the chain (one tiny bent link is all it takes) or both (and it's great to get those fixed before long rides)
3.) Riding early in the morning and good sunscreen are important when riding in the scorching [Redding] sun. Might I suggest the REI brand 45 SPF
4.) Drink more water than you want to drink...and then drink more
5.) But keep up on electrolytes (we use E-caps, HEED, Perpetuem, and Hammer Gel from Hammer Nutrition Products, www.hammernutrition.com)
6.) Don't ride on highway detour roads but if you have to...don't do it again
7.) Make the most of long rides by stopping at family and friend's houses where they can feed and water you (and sometimes even offer you their swimming pool for cool down)
8.) Don't ever stop too long (you'll know if you did because when you get back on your bike you feel worse than when you stopped)
9.) Listen to books-on-tape to make the time pass
10.) Use a rear-view mirror (if you're wearing glasses the best one I've found is the Bike Peddler Take-A-Look mirror which can be found at REI, http://www.rei.com/product/752285)
11.) Stretch when you stop...

...and many more. Maybe this is just the beginning of my list and I'll have another one after the STP that starts at #12...stay tuned for that!

I don't think this really has to be said but I'm trying to remind myself too and I guess no one ever said that riding a bike is cheap so something to consider before we are actually riding the STP...get a tune up.

I'm SO EXCITED to ride with you all!
-Lyn