How to prepare for Tour De Fleece

Start Date: July 1st 

End Date: July 24th

Rest Days: July 11th and July 18th

Yup we're having a team this year! Join Team Armadillo for a laid back fun time by clicking HERE

Now that we've got the big news out of the way of what the dates are for 2022 we can look at how to prepare. If you're wondering what in the world Tour De Fleece is I made a blog post explaining everything. You can read it HERE.

So now that we know what Tour De Fleece is, how do we prepare for it? I've made a list to help you through to set you up for success!

     1. Chose your goal

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A large part of Tour De Fleece is overcoming obstacles. The spinning community is amazing and will celebrate with you! I've found the best goals for Tour De Fleece to be personal goals. You don't have to do anything outlandish or over the top. Your goal can simply be something like the goals listed below:

• Spin every day for a set amount of time

• Try a new fiber, fiber blend, or spinning technique such as long draw, fractal, etc.

• Spin enough yarn for a special project to weave, crochet, knit, etc.

• Learn to spin using a drop spindle, supported spindle, or spinning wheel
  
  

    2. Check your equipment

Now is the perfect time to do the deep cleaning and oiling you may have been putting off. Make sure to check your drive bands and clean them or put a new one on if needed. Like checking your fire alarms you should also make time to check your wheel is balanced. As my great grandmother used to say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Perhaps even more fitting is "A stitch in time saves nine." Maintenance to your wheel and fixing small problems before they become large ones will definitely make your spinning much more enjoyable.

 

    3. Exercises and Stretches

What does exercises and stretches have to do with spinning? Well, if you've ever had a leg or foot cramp you know how painful that can be! We also want to avoid sprains and strains in your hands. Finger exercises and stretches as well as taking breaks, standing, watching your posture, and stretching your legs can all help make your spinning enjoyable and help you reach your goals!

    4. Fiber!

Last but not least, make sure you have enough fiber! The last thing you want to do is have to order more fiber and wait for it to arrive in the mail putting a damper on your momentum and your goals. If you're blending or dyeing your own fiber start prepping now to ensure you have plenty to get you through the Tour De Fleece.

 

We hope this list helps you get set up and ready to go! If it has we'd love to hear how it has helped in the comments. What are some of the ways you prepare for Tour De Fleece?