Scott,

Good question.

I presume you've had a reasonable summer of riding and feel like you are prepared, and only want to be sure you don't taper too much. You wanna be fresh, toned, and frisky- eagar to ride! It's way too late to cram a buncha miles in if your underlying fundamentals are not prepared.

If you are sporting any nagging injuries that rest will help- cronic problems in joints, etc- rest more than you think it needs. Give it a busman's holiday. Joints heal slowly, and CNC's riding 7 days in a row for 30 to 35 total seat hours will add up and aggravate any joint hurting now. Bring whatever you use to aid in managing that condition, too- asprin is your best friend.

With respect to muscles, I plan to ride an hour a day until Wed, then stop. Give muscles a day or two to freshen up, and don't do a deep discharge. Save your energy because you will find CNC day 4 or 5 to challenge energy reserves and muscle fitness. The exertion adds up and you will not recover fully overnight. A long ride Sat 9/23 or Sunday 9/24 wouldn't hurt, but make that your last long ride.

A few days of rest help your rear end. Use the resting time Thurs or Friday to lube the bike, check tightness and adjustment of all fittings, be sure your tires are in shape for 500 miles. Be sure your camping equipment is in order, no leaks in the old air matress!

Let's be fresh, rested, frisky, and eagar to start Sunday morning. Look out Emerald Isle, here we come! Yeeee Haaaaa!!!!!

Jack