This photo was taken a few months ago, the first day of training for the Pan Mass Challenge with Gayle. We were in a wonderful store in Turners Falls called Loot. The owner has a great aesthetic and sells used stuff which he salvages from nearby defunct factories. And other places. I bought the sweater. It is from the 1960's and hand-knit. The story is that it belonged to a couple, now in their 90's, who did a lot of camping in their trailer. On the back is written "golden highways". I love that sweater! Gayle is holding a box of florist wire -- also from the 1960's -- that I am using for mixed media sculptures.
Here is the link if you want to contribute to my ride:
http://www.pmc.org/profile/LB0222
I am on schedule, doing 60 miles once a week plus lots of shorter rides. What's been disconcerting this year is the leg cramps. It's happened a few times, at night, after a long ride. I wake up literally screaming. The last time was excruciating. So I've gotten smarter about electrolytes and potassium. I'm doping! The bike shop sold me some electrolyte drops that you add to any drink. It tastes a little salty, but it seems to work.
Other than that, I'm going to Russia in mid-June with The War and Peace Project. It has been invited to the Moscow International Book Fair, then will be on display at Yasnaya Polyana (Tolstoy Estate and Museum) from June 22 through the end of the summer. I've been taking weekly Russian classes since January in preparation for the trip. 8 of us are going; Mark will try to get his visa in time. He is in India on business so can't apply for the Russian visa until he gets back with his passport.
