Happy trails!

Well Trekkers, I trust you're ready for the weekend's 180. Hopefully you've done your training and you didn't forget to pack your toothbrush.

Just remember that some parts of this ride will really suck. Mostly those will be the parts that go uphill. And there will be a lot of them. Some of the hills will look like Mt. Everest to your fatigued, sunburned, Gatorade-overloaded brain. Just remember that when you actually get to them, they won't seem nearly as big. Most of them anyway. And when you hit the finish line you'll forget all about those mountains you thought you couldn't master.

So, just a couple more pieces of advice. Use it or don't, but be safe and enjoy the ride:

When you get to Farmington, make sure you check out The Grainery. It's the best beer spot in town and there's usually music on the outdoor patio for Trekkers. Sit inside and enjoy the AC and a microbrew or grab a spot outside and enjoy the tunes.

At Colby, don't miss the dining hall. This isn't like the college grub you remember: It's gourmet. Breakfast or dinner, the lines are always long at Colby, and for really good reason.

If you've got someone meeting you at the finish line, make sure they get to Belfast early. Word is there's limited parking and late-comers will need to be shuttled over to meet their riders. This makes it difficult for those bringing coolers filled with refreshments.

And, if you don't try anything else I've suggested during these weeks of pre-Trek blogging, please do this: Make sure you come across the finish line nice and slow for those friends and family members determined to take a pic of your big moment. Our first year riding together Gail and I barrelled in too fast for our welcoming committee to get the camera ready. All we got to remember our big accomplishment was a picture of two big butts on bike seats passing by.