Lessons from the MUP Tour

After each tour I go through and make some determinations of things to change with some additions and some deletions.

Training: This year I was uncertain about which tour to do and when.  My decision for the MUP was a last minute thing since my schedule was so uncertain this summer.  I felt like I had a good base going , but I had two injuries (calf and upper arm) that gave me some restful weeks recuperating.  I felt my strength increase during the tour and these layoffs was probably the reason why.  

It had been three years since I did an organized tour due to COVID postponements. Before the last tours I was working in a physical demanding job and that added to my strength.

           For next tour I would work on building my strength and do at least one ride of week of three or more hours.

Gear:   I could not find my list from the last tour, so I created a new one.  I did well an did not miss any essential items.  
        Items that I was glad that I packed.  
            1. Orange vest.  This help my phone and made me more visible.
            2.  Neon Green windbreaker: Needed it on colder mornings. Pocket and visibility.
            3. Fleece buff: Good for cooler nights and mornings.
            4. Cloud 9 Seat: springs, gel and wider. I did not get so pounded during the day.
           5. Long johns and fleece socks:  Good for sleeping  on cooler nights.
           6. Waterproof gloves:  Were nice on the rainy and cold morning.
            7. Rubber gloves:  Worked great for packing up the dewy tent.
            8. Two battery bricks to charge phones.

       Items packed and not used.
           1.  A second headlamp.  One was enough
           2. Zip off pants. One pair was good for camp nights.
           3. Leg warmers. These were in my handlebar bag. I could do without them.
           4. Spare tire. Probably would not need it.
           5. Coffee thermos cup was used only one day.

       Items to be sure to bring next year.
          1.  3 pairs of undies for evening.  These got left in my car.
          2. TP.  Several times confronted with no supply in the stall.
          3. Water bladder.  I needed more convenience with the tube.

What I was pleased  with in camp.:  Besides the gear mentioned above.
       1. Taking Aleve to help the body feel better. 1 Tab in AM and 1 in PM.
       2. I slept well. 
       3. I kept my duffel bags outside the tent.  This gave me plenty of space inside.
       4.  I packed up quickly in the morning and set up quick in afternoon.
       5. Got started about 7:30-8:00. 
       6. My pace was consistent through tour and similar to previous years.
       7. I did not have any big lunches and the breakfast was not too big.

What do I wish I did differently.
        1. I wish I was faster and did not have to do so much walking on steep hills.
        2. Not eat so much at supper.
        3. Remember names better.
​        4. May take an ebike next hilly tour.

I am glad that I wrote these down as part of my tour journal.