I’m starting to tie up loose ends now; and as usual before I travel, I’m getting anxious that I’ll forget something vital!

Among the loose ends is tapering my training. It’s so easy to think I can’t be properly prepared if I don’t continue to put in long miles; but I suspect that, if I’m not ready now, it’s too late.

As far as cycling shoes go, the hazard of loose ends is why I prefer shoes with velcro closures. Years ago, on the trike, a shoelace came untied; and got caught in the pedal. It was pulled too tightly for me to wiggle my foot out; and I could’t reach it from the saddle to loosen the lace. I had to carefully dismount, and get my foot loose; then untangle the lace. Even that was barely possible!

Now I’m looking at the weather for the next few days; and it’s looking wet.