Just as happened with last year's final big training ride, the group at large is out there somewhere right now, attempting to put 79 miles behind them in the rain. It's not nearly as cold as last year's, but also just like last year, the weather forecast for tomorrow is better by degrees of magnitude. And again, just like last year, I have a big social event tonight - not my own birthday party this time, but a black-tie wedding in Brooklyn. So after taking everything into consideration, I have once again opted out of the group ride in favor of riding on my own tomorrow. And, once again, I feel fairly vindicated - although it wasn't raining at the time Coach Gregg made the decision six hours ago, it's pouring right now.

Unlike last year, though, bike drop is on a Friday this year, so I may actually be able to get in two shorter weekday rides after tomorrow's longer solo ride. I've also been working my core very hard every day since my last ride, and I'm confident that my back and abs are getting stronger and will be better able to support me on the 109-mile ride in Tucson on Nov. 22.

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