Tuesday April 29, 2008
Vernus (the camprground owner) and I had some time to talk before I left. I was warming some oatmeal in the microwave while Vernus was petting Tiger, the cat that was just a kitten when Vernus took over 10 years ago. Vernus is originally from Misourri and had served 3 years in Vietnam. We talked about how I grew up, how he grew up, how his 15 & 17 year old kids are growing up, etc. He told me how the times are bad for America right now given the economy, the price of gas, etc. And that trips to his campground are considered to be things that people can do without during tough times. Showing me a calendar, the reservation numbers were a fraction of what they were last year, and due to an error, Vernus was soon to receive $6,000 worth of t-shirts he was not sure who he would sell them to.
Need a novelty present for someone in your life? Email Vernus and buy a t-shirt.
http://www.ichetuckneecanoeandcabins.net/
Tell him Dan the cyclist sent you.
Today's ride was filled with clear skies but cool weather. I got started riding at 8am, and wore arm warmers all day as the headwinds I faced the entire distance to Suwanee River State Park were a bit chilling.
After about 30 miles, I felt a pull in my left Quadricep. I capitalize Quadricep to give it some new respect that I may have not given it before. I am not sure if it is a pull or just sore from the use of it these first 200 miles, but I am tending to it with Ibuprofen, additional stretching, and an occassional muscle relaxant.
Fortunately for me County Road 136A, the road I was on, was relatively flat so I could do pretty well with one leg if need be. From time to time, I will pull over into the two-track trail left by the mailman as he swerves over to the shoulder to a mailbox, and rest my bike against an unknown friend's mailbox as I stretch it further.
After a quick lunch at a nearby campground restaurant (where I think only employees of the campground typically eat, yet it is the only restaurant around), I found my way on County Road 132 toward Suwanee River State Park (yes, as in Way Down Upon The Swanee River, the name was intentionally misspelled for the song so people wouldn't try to pronouce the U). 132 unfortunately was full of hills as the waitress had warned me. With a few breaks, I made it though my Quad was not real happy. I had to be there near 3pm as a reporter from the Suwanee (yes, use a U this time) Democrat newspaper was there to interview me. The interview went well and I enjoyed talking with Vanessa, who lives in Madison, Florida, the halfway point in my journey across Florida which I will pass tomorrow.
After a quick photo shoot, I set up camp at site #29, where two long distance cyclists from Wisconsin had occupied the night before on there way back from San Diego. Too crazy!
I made a little dinner (Beef Stroganoff with Noodles) thanks to Mountain House meals I purchased at REI, and then did a little hike to see the Suwanee River.
In bed by 9pm with my IcyHot friend (really the tube of IcyHot), I hope to wake with a fixed Quadricep.
started riding: 7:58am
ended riding: 3:00pm
time biking: 4:45:04
miles: 54.10 miles
average speed: 11.39
calories: 3,800
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Ichetucknee Springs Family Grocery & Campsites
Monday April 28, 2008
I didn't sleep so well in the tent. I am still getting used to my setup. At home I have pillows positioned just right for a good nights rest. In tent world, I haven't quite figured out the right setup yet. I noticed when I put my head down that I could hear my pulse. That happens when you put your head down just right, but mine seemed faster than normal. I think i counted 84 bpm though I am not sure how that compares to my normal lethargic heart rate.
As morning came, I decided today was going to be a rest day!
I had listened for rain all night. Nothing.
A few drops after a while, but nothing serious.
By 9:30am I was up and eating breakfast: Powerade, cold cereal (Corn Pops) with water (because the market up front only had milk in gallon size jugs), peanut butter sandwiches, and granola bars. I used the time to write in my journal and watch the squirrels chace eachother. I even thought I saw a red cardinal but when I snapped a photo and zoomed in, it was a parrot. The only other guest at the campground was leaving for Jacksonville today, so it would be just me out here.
I took the advice of Vernus and Elaine, the campground owners, and went to visit the Ichetucknee Springs across the street. Man, was that cool! The spring that gets the most attention is known as Blue Hole Spring and it is beautiful. After doing a little hiking, seeing canoers go by on the river, I deicded I had to jumpo in the Spring. Yikes. 72 degrees. Thgis is not like my 104-degree hottub back home. But had to try it, and may likely live forever if this was the place Ponce de Leon was actually looking for (so I got that going for me)!
Today was a slow day filled with anticipation of riding again. I was excited to keep going, and uncertain of my decision to rest today since there were only off and on showers. These showers were, however, Florida-style and not the mist we get in San Diego occassionally. Probably made the right choice to stay.
One word about the campground. I stayed at Ichetucknee Springs Family Grocery & Campsites. They have cabins as well. The place is really beautiful. Owners Vernus and Elaine have done a great job with it, and I hope business picks back up for them.
I didn't sleep so well in the tent. I am still getting used to my setup. At home I have pillows positioned just right for a good nights rest. In tent world, I haven't quite figured out the right setup yet. I noticed when I put my head down that I could hear my pulse. That happens when you put your head down just right, but mine seemed faster than normal. I think i counted 84 bpm though I am not sure how that compares to my normal lethargic heart rate.
As morning came, I decided today was going to be a rest day!
I had listened for rain all night. Nothing.
A few drops after a while, but nothing serious.
By 9:30am I was up and eating breakfast: Powerade, cold cereal (Corn Pops) with water (because the market up front only had milk in gallon size jugs), peanut butter sandwiches, and granola bars. I used the time to write in my journal and watch the squirrels chace eachother. I even thought I saw a red cardinal but when I snapped a photo and zoomed in, it was a parrot. The only other guest at the campground was leaving for Jacksonville today, so it would be just me out here.
I took the advice of Vernus and Elaine, the campground owners, and went to visit the Ichetucknee Springs across the street. Man, was that cool! The spring that gets the most attention is known as Blue Hole Spring and it is beautiful. After doing a little hiking, seeing canoers go by on the river, I deicded I had to jumpo in the Spring. Yikes. 72 degrees. Thgis is not like my 104-degree hottub back home. But had to try it, and may likely live forever if this was the place Ponce de Leon was actually looking for (so I got that going for me)!
Today was a slow day filled with anticipation of riding again. I was excited to keep going, and uncertain of my decision to rest today since there were only off and on showers. These showers were, however, Florida-style and not the mist we get in San Diego occassionally. Probably made the right choice to stay.
One word about the campground. I stayed at Ichetucknee Springs Family Grocery & Campsites. They have cabins as well. The place is really beautiful. Owners Vernus and Elaine have done a great job with it, and I hope business picks back up for them.
Gainesville to Ichetucknee Springs State Park near Fort White (46 miles)
Sunday April 27, 2008
I woke up early and got everything ready to go. The TV people from Channel 20 ABC from Gainesville did not show until almost 10am. Gavin, the reporter, did the interview. It went smooth and easy and would result in a couple short clips that would air at 6pm and 11pm newstimes. Oddly enough, Gavin just interviewed for a job in Wisconsin and hopes to get it. We talked about diversity in the Madison area since Gavin is black and has a southern accent. He was encouraged by our discussion and soon I left the hostel.
Gainesville at 10:30am is not the time to be heading out on your bike for a 50 mile ride. Despite the warm temperatures, I felt fine given the fact I take a break every hour and get off and stretch. It also helped that it was partly cloudy so it kept the scorching sun to a minimum.
After close to 30 miles, I was just about out of available fluids on my bike but was so glad to find a single oasis known as "Vics". Vics is a bait & tackle shop/gas station/quickmart/weekday kitchen, etc. As I rolled up and inquired as to the tremendous ice sales I saw going on, I was told everyone was heading to the spring or the lake. Have at it, people! Sounds pretty nice!
I went inside and got a drink and snacks. Not ready to leave I hung out inside and talked with a guy behind the counter named Bob. He worked Sundays alone and saw many regular customers. Some he knew well, others not so well. One fella in particular barely walked in and Bob simply asked "how many today?" as he reached up and put his hand on this mans preferred brand of cigarettes without looking. The man, unshaven all weekends, responded with "one" and seconds later, I am guessing he was off to the lake. I sat down in a spare chair and between visitors, Bob and I got to talking. He explained that the sign I was reading "sausage pancake on a stick" is kinda like a corn dog, and he laughed as he said it. Vicsa reminded me of a "Sack-o-s..s...ss...sssSuds" place from the movie "My Cousin Vinny" except no Tempest or Buick Skylark with posi-traction.
Bob had told me before I left, after learning my route was to include a village of 3,600 people called High Springs, that it would be busy up there because High Springs was having their Pioneer Days this weekend and the shootout would be at 2pm. Aftyer biking the 5 miles left to get to High Springs, I saw the main street in town lined with vendor tents, and many people (for a town this size) walking around. After strolling the street a bit, I heard gunfire. The shootout? I wandered over to have a look. Sure enough. The shootout can be summed up as this: a group of peopel chose sides, they argue a bit, they show no sign of compromise, they find their way to opposite sides of the available space, and they shoot at eachother. They stop and verify that the other side is not willing to give up yet, and then they shoot some more. Classic theater.
I was hungry and didn't want vendor food despite the boyscouts funnel cakes for $4. So I found signs that said AC, Bathrooms, BBQ.... hmmmm, assuming the Bathrooms were a lure for people like me and had no real connection to the BBQ, I had found my place to eat. It was run by the Ladies Group of High Springs. I ate well and talked with a few of the ladies while there. They had taken interest in my ride across the US for charity: water and would discuss it when they met next. After excellent BBQ and baked goods, I left and hit the road destined for Fort White.
I was told there was a rails to trails path along US 20/27 between High Springs and Fort White. I looked for it, but could not find it. After looking a few times, I decided I was spending more time looking than just taking the highway, so I did. Rolling into Fort White I saw cars with their lights on approaching me and dark skies ahead. Not a good sign. Racing at a speedy 11mph, I found my way to Ichetucknee Springs State Park and stayed at Ichetucknee Family Grocery and Campsites.
I got there in time to set up camp in daylight, eat some peanut butter sandwiches, and go to bed. I was told the chance for rain the next day was 70% and severe storms. I was pretty convinced I would take a rest day tomorrow when I fell asleep.
started riding: 10:35am
ended riding: 5:45pm
time biking: 3:54:45
miles: 45.52
average speed: 11.63
calories: 3,410
I woke up early and got everything ready to go. The TV people from Channel 20 ABC from Gainesville did not show until almost 10am. Gavin, the reporter, did the interview. It went smooth and easy and would result in a couple short clips that would air at 6pm and 11pm newstimes. Oddly enough, Gavin just interviewed for a job in Wisconsin and hopes to get it. We talked about diversity in the Madison area since Gavin is black and has a southern accent. He was encouraged by our discussion and soon I left the hostel.
Gainesville at 10:30am is not the time to be heading out on your bike for a 50 mile ride. Despite the warm temperatures, I felt fine given the fact I take a break every hour and get off and stretch. It also helped that it was partly cloudy so it kept the scorching sun to a minimum.
After close to 30 miles, I was just about out of available fluids on my bike but was so glad to find a single oasis known as "Vics". Vics is a bait & tackle shop/gas station/quickmart/weekday kitchen, etc. As I rolled up and inquired as to the tremendous ice sales I saw going on, I was told everyone was heading to the spring or the lake. Have at it, people! Sounds pretty nice!
I went inside and got a drink and snacks. Not ready to leave I hung out inside and talked with a guy behind the counter named Bob. He worked Sundays alone and saw many regular customers. Some he knew well, others not so well. One fella in particular barely walked in and Bob simply asked "how many today?" as he reached up and put his hand on this mans preferred brand of cigarettes without looking. The man, unshaven all weekends, responded with "one" and seconds later, I am guessing he was off to the lake. I sat down in a spare chair and between visitors, Bob and I got to talking. He explained that the sign I was reading "sausage pancake on a stick" is kinda like a corn dog, and he laughed as he said it. Vicsa reminded me of a "Sack-o-s..s...ss...sssSuds" place from the movie "My Cousin Vinny" except no Tempest or Buick Skylark with posi-traction.
Bob had told me before I left, after learning my route was to include a village of 3,600 people called High Springs, that it would be busy up there because High Springs was having their Pioneer Days this weekend and the shootout would be at 2pm. Aftyer biking the 5 miles left to get to High Springs, I saw the main street in town lined with vendor tents, and many people (for a town this size) walking around. After strolling the street a bit, I heard gunfire. The shootout? I wandered over to have a look. Sure enough. The shootout can be summed up as this: a group of peopel chose sides, they argue a bit, they show no sign of compromise, they find their way to opposite sides of the available space, and they shoot at eachother. They stop and verify that the other side is not willing to give up yet, and then they shoot some more. Classic theater.
I was hungry and didn't want vendor food despite the boyscouts funnel cakes for $4. So I found signs that said AC, Bathrooms, BBQ.... hmmmm, assuming the Bathrooms were a lure for people like me and had no real connection to the BBQ, I had found my place to eat. It was run by the Ladies Group of High Springs. I ate well and talked with a few of the ladies while there. They had taken interest in my ride across the US for charity: water and would discuss it when they met next. After excellent BBQ and baked goods, I left and hit the road destined for Fort White.
I was told there was a rails to trails path along US 20/27 between High Springs and Fort White. I looked for it, but could not find it. After looking a few times, I decided I was spending more time looking than just taking the highway, so I did. Rolling into Fort White I saw cars with their lights on approaching me and dark skies ahead. Not a good sign. Racing at a speedy 11mph, I found my way to Ichetucknee Springs State Park and stayed at Ichetucknee Family Grocery and Campsites.
I got there in time to set up camp in daylight, eat some peanut butter sandwiches, and go to bed. I was told the chance for rain the next day was 70% and severe storms. I was pretty convinced I would take a rest day tomorrow when I fell asleep.
started riding: 10:35am
ended riding: 5:45pm
time biking: 3:54:45
miles: 45.52
average speed: 11.63
calories: 3,410
Sunday, April 27, 2008
East Palatka, FL to Gainesville, Fl (59 miles)
Saturday April 26, 2008
I woke up at 6:30am and got out of the tent by 7:00am.
After doing some chores left from dinner last night, I packed up my tent and other gear inside.
After I got that to a reasonable point, I started the cookstove for oatmeal and packed my bags further while the water boiled. After eating, I finished packing, lubed the chain on my bike, and got going out of camp at 8:30am.
Most of the road was shady this morning. It was great! It made for an enjoyable start supplemented by occasional waves and shouts from what are likely some pretty poor people sitting outside watching traffic. I remember these people from when I lived in the South. They are nice folks with no money to do anything else but watch. So they would wave or shout "Where ya heading?" and shout again when I said "San Diego". Each time that happened, I would get goosebumps and my speed would increase for a moment. (And drop back almost imemdiately after.)
At 10:30am I stopped at Florahome, FL on Hwy 100. I got more drinks and snacks. Seemed I was doing well with 20 miles down and 30 more to go as I thought. After a 20 minute rest, I left to continue down the road. After another 10 miles, I stopped n the shade to rest since it felt so hot out here. It had to be 85 at least, maybe more on the asphalt. Because of the rolling hills, I could feel my quads working slightly more than yesterday. Nothing serious, but noted.
I stopped in Melrose for lunch. I saw Carla's Deli which looked inviting at Noon-ish. After Carla saw the bike and asked a few questions, she immediately asked me to take their phone number down and call when I got to San Diego so they knew I made it ok. They set me up with Un-sweet Tea in one of my water bottles and put ice in the other two and said they would be watching the blog. Hi to the good folks at Carla's Diner. Thanks for the great burger and for being so kind!!!
Once to Hawthorne, utopia arrived. It goes by the name of Hawthorne, Gainesville Trail and can be described as a green wooded trail only for pedestrian traffic and bikes separated from any roads. It is part of the Rails & Trails program that Florida has embraced so well. There I met Jim & Kathy. Jim is a bicycling enthusiast and was asking about my panniers as he and his wife Kathy sometimes go out on bikes together. It was nice meeting both of them and provided for a longer break than I would've given myself so that was appreciated. Other folks on the trail included families biking together since it is a Saturday after all, as well as girls rollerblading. Twice I offered to stop with a first aid kit since a little girl fell off her bike, and then what was likely a Gainesville college girl fell on Rollerblades. As long as I get to my destination before dark, I am fine with pit stops. Though I may have to rethink the best time to travel as the heat winds up through summer. Earlier starts and maybe some evening riding will be my approach.
Arrived at Zen Hostel in Gainesville. The pklace is unique. Outside are the Tibetan flags I have seen in pictures from mountaintops, an odd outside shower on the deck, and only a handful of residents (some long term, some not). It is probably not where i would normally stay but it was quiet and that is what I needed. After a shower, some laundry, I went to Quizno's and got a big steak sandwich. Then i got gelato and ate it on the way to find drinks. I got drinks for tomorrow from a crackhead foodstore at 4th Ave and Main.
TV crew from ABC Channel 20 supposed to arrive at 9am Sunday to interview me at the hostel.
started riding: 8:30am
ended riding: 5:30pm
time biking: 5:15:57
miles: 58.57
average speed: 11.12
calories: 4,629
I woke up at 6:30am and got out of the tent by 7:00am.
After doing some chores left from dinner last night, I packed up my tent and other gear inside.
After I got that to a reasonable point, I started the cookstove for oatmeal and packed my bags further while the water boiled. After eating, I finished packing, lubed the chain on my bike, and got going out of camp at 8:30am.
Most of the road was shady this morning. It was great! It made for an enjoyable start supplemented by occasional waves and shouts from what are likely some pretty poor people sitting outside watching traffic. I remember these people from when I lived in the South. They are nice folks with no money to do anything else but watch. So they would wave or shout "Where ya heading?" and shout again when I said "San Diego". Each time that happened, I would get goosebumps and my speed would increase for a moment. (And drop back almost imemdiately after.)
At 10:30am I stopped at Florahome, FL on Hwy 100. I got more drinks and snacks. Seemed I was doing well with 20 miles down and 30 more to go as I thought. After a 20 minute rest, I left to continue down the road. After another 10 miles, I stopped n the shade to rest since it felt so hot out here. It had to be 85 at least, maybe more on the asphalt. Because of the rolling hills, I could feel my quads working slightly more than yesterday. Nothing serious, but noted.
I stopped in Melrose for lunch. I saw Carla's Deli which looked inviting at Noon-ish. After Carla saw the bike and asked a few questions, she immediately asked me to take their phone number down and call when I got to San Diego so they knew I made it ok. They set me up with Un-sweet Tea in one of my water bottles and put ice in the other two and said they would be watching the blog. Hi to the good folks at Carla's Diner. Thanks for the great burger and for being so kind!!!
Once to Hawthorne, utopia arrived. It goes by the name of Hawthorne, Gainesville Trail and can be described as a green wooded trail only for pedestrian traffic and bikes separated from any roads. It is part of the Rails & Trails program that Florida has embraced so well. There I met Jim & Kathy. Jim is a bicycling enthusiast and was asking about my panniers as he and his wife Kathy sometimes go out on bikes together. It was nice meeting both of them and provided for a longer break than I would've given myself so that was appreciated. Other folks on the trail included families biking together since it is a Saturday after all, as well as girls rollerblading. Twice I offered to stop with a first aid kit since a little girl fell off her bike, and then what was likely a Gainesville college girl fell on Rollerblades. As long as I get to my destination before dark, I am fine with pit stops. Though I may have to rethink the best time to travel as the heat winds up through summer. Earlier starts and maybe some evening riding will be my approach.
Arrived at Zen Hostel in Gainesville. The pklace is unique. Outside are the Tibetan flags I have seen in pictures from mountaintops, an odd outside shower on the deck, and only a handful of residents (some long term, some not). It is probably not where i would normally stay but it was quiet and that is what I needed. After a shower, some laundry, I went to Quizno's and got a big steak sandwich. Then i got gelato and ate it on the way to find drinks. I got drinks for tomorrow from a crackhead foodstore at 4th Ave and Main.
TV crew from ABC Channel 20 supposed to arrive at 9am Sunday to interview me at the hostel.
started riding: 8:30am
ended riding: 5:30pm
time biking: 5:15:57
miles: 58.57
average speed: 11.12
calories: 4,629
St. Augustine, FL to East Palatka, FL (53 miles)
Aperil 25, 2008 I left the security of St. Augustine and newfound friends there. I got a late start, probably because I wasn't sure what I was heading into. But by 9:30am I was on my way. Now here is the real problem... I hate the doubleback. What does that mean? If I wanted to do a ceremonial start by dipping my tires into the Atlantic I had to ride 5 miles int he wrong direction of my goal. Doubleback... means 10 miles of wasted energy. Well, I had to do it. If I didn't dip in the Atlantic, I would probably regret it later. Just as if I didn't attempt this ride, I would probably regret it later. So I found my way to St. Augustine Beach and as I slowed on the sand preparing to walk my bike down to the water, the sand shifted, and down I went. If you have ever gone snowboarding (or skiing for that matter), you may know the first fall is the worst becasue of the fear of it. So, bright side, I got the first fall out of the way and it was on soft white fine sand. Cool!
At the beach, a man walking his dogs snapped a photo of me and was thrilled with what I was doing. Another couple on bikes approached me as well. She has done a Appalachian Trail trek that lasted 7 months and oddly enough has a daughter in St. Augustine and another in San Diego. For a moment I considered making this a Daughter-to-Daughter ride, but I didn't think that would go well with Audrey so lets call it a cross country ride like always.
In Mollasses Junction, just out of St. Augustine I had stopped at a small service station in the middle of no where. I'll bet Mollasses Junction isn't even on your map. There a couple other cyclists were heading the opposite direction and stopped as well. They had come from San Diego and were finishing in St. Augustine today. I envied them. I wanted their experiences, but didn't necessarily want the 3,000 miles of riding. But I remind myself, if it was easy, then everyone would do it, and it would mean less. After picking up some tips from them, we parted. But before doing so, a guy filling his truck and boat with gas at the single pump told me "you better have a credit card to rent a car and go home". I truly hope he doesn't have kids he is raising. I will take his words as a challenge. I only wish I had a way to reach him. I would send him postcards all along the way.
In Hastings, I ate lunch at Lo Country Cookery "Lo Country Cookin makes you good look'n" their shirts say. An all you can eat catfish, jambalaya, crawfish, okra, etc buffet gave me some rest and some fuel.
It was a beautiful day. A slight headwind from Riverdale slowed me to 9-11 mph. Legs were a bit tired after 30 miles and may have contributed to a slower pace. Eventually I found my way to St. Johns Campground in East Palatka. Again I will be doubling back a few miles as this campground was a bit off route. Once Chris pointed to where the tents set up past the RVs (I was the only tent), I went to it. I set up the tent, got my sleep mat and bag set up inside. Carried my panniers into the tent, got the gear I needed to shower, and then made dinner before dark. After dark, a few phone calls and planning the next day's route.
Started riding: 9:30am
Ended riding: 5:00pm
Time biking: 4:41:03
Miles: 52.63
Average speed: 11.2 mph
calories burned: 2,806
At the beach, a man walking his dogs snapped a photo of me and was thrilled with what I was doing. Another couple on bikes approached me as well. She has done a Appalachian Trail trek that lasted 7 months and oddly enough has a daughter in St. Augustine and another in San Diego. For a moment I considered making this a Daughter-to-Daughter ride, but I didn't think that would go well with Audrey so lets call it a cross country ride like always.
In Mollasses Junction, just out of St. Augustine I had stopped at a small service station in the middle of no where. I'll bet Mollasses Junction isn't even on your map. There a couple other cyclists were heading the opposite direction and stopped as well. They had come from San Diego and were finishing in St. Augustine today. I envied them. I wanted their experiences, but didn't necessarily want the 3,000 miles of riding. But I remind myself, if it was easy, then everyone would do it, and it would mean less. After picking up some tips from them, we parted. But before doing so, a guy filling his truck and boat with gas at the single pump told me "you better have a credit card to rent a car and go home". I truly hope he doesn't have kids he is raising. I will take his words as a challenge. I only wish I had a way to reach him. I would send him postcards all along the way.
In Hastings, I ate lunch at Lo Country Cookery "Lo Country Cookin makes you good look'n" their shirts say. An all you can eat catfish, jambalaya, crawfish, okra, etc buffet gave me some rest and some fuel.
It was a beautiful day. A slight headwind from Riverdale slowed me to 9-11 mph. Legs were a bit tired after 30 miles and may have contributed to a slower pace. Eventually I found my way to St. Johns Campground in East Palatka. Again I will be doubling back a few miles as this campground was a bit off route. Once Chris pointed to where the tents set up past the RVs (I was the only tent), I went to it. I set up the tent, got my sleep mat and bag set up inside. Carried my panniers into the tent, got the gear I needed to shower, and then made dinner before dark. After dark, a few phone calls and planning the next day's route.
Started riding: 9:30am
Ended riding: 5:00pm
Time biking: 4:41:03
Miles: 52.63
Average speed: 11.2 mph
calories burned: 2,806
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Arrrgggg, what's in the bag one-eyed Jack???
Here is a list of what items are in my bike bags.
Front Left Pannier: Cooking/Food Supply
Whisperlite International cookstove (operates on white gas, kerosene, or unleaded fuel)
Fuel bottle for stove
fork/spoon wrapped in an old sock and tied with rubberband to prevent rattling while riding
Some food and energy gels, etc
Medium cookpot with lid: I got a $12 aluminum cheapy from REI
Lighter and waterproof matches (backup)
old school tiny can opener
various wipes (keep'n it clean makes good hygiene)
Front Right Pannier: Bike-Related Items
2 spare tubes wrapped in socks to protect a bit
chain lube
presta/schraeder valve adapter (so I can fill tires at a gas station instead of pump)
saddle cream (to prevent a sore behind)
hose clamps and zip ties (odd recommendations as items for roadside fixes)
electrical tape (again, same reasoning)
Brookes saddle kit
sewing kit
Bright safety vest (yes, Mom)
Spare brake and deraileur cable
2 extra chain links
a tire pressure gauge
an extra water bottle (besides the 3 on the bike)
tire pump
tire levers
multitool
patch kit
extra pair of biking gloves
some reflective rope
duct tape wrapped on a broken pencil
a repair splint for my tent should I need it
tiny towels that expand as water is absorbed
bike lock
shoe covers in case I ride in rain
arm warmers for riding in cooler temps
light wind jacket
Novara Stratos lightweight rain coat (waterproof as I learned my "water resistent" lesson a long time ago)
REI Ultralight rain pants (again, waterproof)
Real Left Pannier: Camping Gear
Big Agnes Seedhouse SL2 Tent (2-person lightweight tent, 2.5 pounds)
Mountain Hardwear Phantom 45 Sleeping Bag (super compressible, and 1 pound down-filled)
Big Agnes Air Core sleep pad (2.5 inches of air-filled comfort keeping me off the ground)
A tiny little whisk broom to keep the tent clean
a reading book
bungee cords (in case I win that big stuffed bear at the County Fair I may run into)
a roll of velcro (for repairs as they may occur or patching the bear)
first aid kit (frighteningly called "wound closure kit", ugh)
biodegradeable camp soap
insect repellent
sunscreen
earplugs
icy hot (or similar) for aching muscles
a small amount of laundry detergent in a ziplock
and toiletry bag
Rear Right: Clothes
2 cycling jerseys
2 loose thin jersey type shirts
1 light thin breathable collared shirt for the unexpected County Fair (you gotta dress to win the bear)
1 light windjacket for cycling
1 light sweatshirt made for running (when I realize that bear on the back of my bike is not stuffed)
1 pair of awesome Mtn Hardwear pants that convert to shorts
3 pairs of thin breathable white socks
1 pair of thicker socks (for cool nights?)
1 pair of sandals
1 pair of light trail shoes
3 pair of black cycling shorts
Handlebar bag
camera/charger/memory cards
"wallet" (typically rubber band wrapped bills)
Edge605 GPS Unit for Cycling (cleverly protected in a 99-cent plastic soapdish) & charger
a really big knife
lip balm
cellphone & charger
USB sticks to save photos from camera when finding a computer, as well as charity presentation
the Adventure Cycling Association maps from start in FL to finish in CA
Ipod/headphones/charger/tiny speakers
a really big knife
Green Bay Packers (of course) baseball cap
journal
passport (in case Mexico hills are recommended instead of the East San Diego nightmares)/ID
a really big knife
key to bike lock and handlebar bag (yep, it locks to the bike)
mutiple-lens sunglasses
very small cheap leatherman type tool I will be surprised if it makes it to the end having thought it already broke in Europe, but amazed to see it's resurrection.
What Ever Shall I Wear???
helmet
helmet mounted rearview mirror
bike shoes
socks
jersey
cycling shorts
loose green soccer type shorts (for getting off the bike and walking into a diner, store, etc)
a sweat-absorbing bandana type thing
and gloves
Well, there ya go.
That is quote a list.
You may be thinking, geez, does he really need all that stuff???!!!!
There are many great resources on the web for packing for a ride like this. I started with their list and added a few items I may choose to quickly discard as the mountains approach. As for Florida, it looks like 100-200 feet elevation change for the first few days, so I am fine.
You can also pack your bags in a different way trying to keep the weight balanced on both sides of the bike. I like some logic to how I pack my bags so I tried to "assign tasks" for each bag.
My next task... get the bike and then get some naptime. Tomorrow I shove off.
Front Left Pannier: Cooking/Food Supply
Whisperlite International cookstove (operates on white gas, kerosene, or unleaded fuel)
Fuel bottle for stove
fork/spoon wrapped in an old sock and tied with rubberband to prevent rattling while riding
Some food and energy gels, etc
Medium cookpot with lid: I got a $12 aluminum cheapy from REI
Lighter and waterproof matches (backup)
old school tiny can opener
various wipes (keep'n it clean makes good hygiene)
Front Right Pannier: Bike-Related Items
2 spare tubes wrapped in socks to protect a bit
chain lube
presta/schraeder valve adapter (so I can fill tires at a gas station instead of pump)
saddle cream (to prevent a sore behind)
hose clamps and zip ties (odd recommendations as items for roadside fixes)
electrical tape (again, same reasoning)
Brookes saddle kit
sewing kit
Bright safety vest (yes, Mom)
Spare brake and deraileur cable
2 extra chain links
a tire pressure gauge
an extra water bottle (besides the 3 on the bike)
tire pump
tire levers
multitool
patch kit
extra pair of biking gloves
some reflective rope
duct tape wrapped on a broken pencil
a repair splint for my tent should I need it
tiny towels that expand as water is absorbed
bike lock
shoe covers in case I ride in rain
arm warmers for riding in cooler temps
light wind jacket
Novara Stratos lightweight rain coat (waterproof as I learned my "water resistent" lesson a long time ago)
REI Ultralight rain pants (again, waterproof)
Real Left Pannier: Camping Gear
Big Agnes Seedhouse SL2 Tent (2-person lightweight tent, 2.5 pounds)
Mountain Hardwear Phantom 45 Sleeping Bag (super compressible, and 1 pound down-filled)
Big Agnes Air Core sleep pad (2.5 inches of air-filled comfort keeping me off the ground)
A tiny little whisk broom to keep the tent clean
a reading book
bungee cords (in case I win that big stuffed bear at the County Fair I may run into)
a roll of velcro (for repairs as they may occur or patching the bear)
first aid kit (frighteningly called "wound closure kit", ugh)
biodegradeable camp soap
insect repellent
sunscreen
earplugs
icy hot (or similar) for aching muscles
a small amount of laundry detergent in a ziplock
and toiletry bag
Rear Right: Clothes
2 cycling jerseys
2 loose thin jersey type shirts
1 light thin breathable collared shirt for the unexpected County Fair (you gotta dress to win the bear)
1 light windjacket for cycling
1 light sweatshirt made for running (when I realize that bear on the back of my bike is not stuffed)
1 pair of awesome Mtn Hardwear pants that convert to shorts
3 pairs of thin breathable white socks
1 pair of thicker socks (for cool nights?)
1 pair of sandals
1 pair of light trail shoes
3 pair of black cycling shorts
Handlebar bag
camera/charger/memory cards
"wallet" (typically rubber band wrapped bills)
Edge605 GPS Unit for Cycling (cleverly protected in a 99-cent plastic soapdish) & charger
a really big knife
lip balm
cellphone & charger
USB sticks to save photos from camera when finding a computer, as well as charity presentation
the Adventure Cycling Association maps from start in FL to finish in CA
Ipod/headphones/charger/tiny speakers
a really big knife
Green Bay Packers (of course) baseball cap
journal
passport (in case Mexico hills are recommended instead of the East San Diego nightmares)/ID
a really big knife
key to bike lock and handlebar bag (yep, it locks to the bike)
mutiple-lens sunglasses
very small cheap leatherman type tool I will be surprised if it makes it to the end having thought it already broke in Europe, but amazed to see it's resurrection.
What Ever Shall I Wear???
helmet
helmet mounted rearview mirror
bike shoes
socks
jersey
cycling shorts
loose green soccer type shorts (for getting off the bike and walking into a diner, store, etc)
a sweat-absorbing bandana type thing
and gloves
Well, there ya go.
That is quote a list.
You may be thinking, geez, does he really need all that stuff???!!!!
There are many great resources on the web for packing for a ride like this. I started with their list and added a few items I may choose to quickly discard as the mountains approach. As for Florida, it looks like 100-200 feet elevation change for the first few days, so I am fine.
You can also pack your bags in a different way trying to keep the weight balanced on both sides of the bike. I like some logic to how I pack my bags so I tried to "assign tasks" for each bag.
My next task... get the bike and then get some naptime. Tomorrow I shove off.
Here in St. Augustine, Florida
Hi from St. Augustine, Florida. This is the oldest town in the US. I am not just saying that as in "I caught the biggest fish" or "your screams are the loudest I ever heard". I am serious. Google it. Once in Spanish control, then I think the French came to town, and then it was given to the US. Somewhere in there, the Pirates took over since it is a seaside town and was vulnerable to hookhands and eyepatches (no offense to Tito back home, heal quickly my friend.)
Anyway, I have to be honest. The nerves were cracking pretty good yesterday as I was flying Southwest (Ding! Feel free to move about the country.) en route to Florida. It started with little sleep. The ever amazing Audrey helped me pack my bike in it's transport case and we finished with that around 12:30am I think. Then I had more to do. The regular bill paying, cleaning up my office since I have technically rented her the house and so that space should be useable, and double checking my pack list like Santa Claus. At 2:30am I went to bed. At 4:45am the alarm went off so I could get spritzed up (spritz = a wet wash cloth and a slap in the face in this case), and head off to the airport for a 6:40am flight.
The entire way I was thinking about what I had packed, the fact it was a one-way trip (fairly committing), and how a full commitment would come when I ship my empty bike case back home. (By "the entire way" I mean the first 10 minutes while I was still awake, and then again after I woke up in Phoenix.) So three legs later (San Diego to Phoenix, Phoenix to Tampa, and Tampa to Jacksonville) I have to say that each step of the way, people who asked "business or pleasure in Jacksonville" or "Are you staying in Jacksonville long?" got a response they probably didn't plan on "I guess you call it pleasure and if all goes well, I won't be there long."
A guy (hi Joe) stopped me in Jacksonville airport and told me he had overheard my story to the person next to me. He was super supportive, maybe borderline envious (it's easy to be envious in an airponditioned airport) and appreciative that I was doing this for charity. He said he would follow the blog and if I came anywhere near his place in TX he would contact me and buy me dinner. Cool.
Skycap Eugene was super nice as well. After agreeing to split the money I tipped him with another skycap who had kindly made change for a $20 bill for me in prep for the shuttle I was going to take, Eugene then learned of my trip and told me to contact Channel 12 out of Jacksonville because they might cover my departure since thye do several stories on charities and have sports-loving reporters. I passed the info on to my friend Chris in Northern California who has unexpectedly volunteered to lead a press/media effort but I am not sure there is time for Channel 12 this time around.
Then Airport shuttle driver Robert who shared a bond with me related to the song "All my Ex's live in Texas". Robert and I had time to talk in the one hour drive from Jacksonville to St. Augustine, and he gave me a tour of St. Augustine as we looked for my hostel, the Pirate Haus & Inn in the center of Old Town.
All very kind people!
So here I am at the Pirate Haus (Arrrrgggg!) and I have met several very nice travelers from San Antonio (Brady), Mike (the Asst Mgr with dreams of life in Portland), Brandon from Gainseville (aspiring musician), Emily the organic farmer headed to Georgia, and Ronald from London. These were my new friends the first night as they insisted I join them for 50-cent beer night at a local tavern after having turned down Emily's homemade chili (delicious, I had some for lunch today). A few beers later, I came back to the hostel and got some Zzzzz's.
Today, April 24th, I took my bike to Sprockets Bike Shop. Robert from the bike shop just called me and my bike is ready to go. They basically reassembled it and will ship any items I decide I don't want and my empty bike case back to San Diego.
I will pick that up before 5pm thanks to Brady from San Antonio who has a gas guzzling Chevy Suburban and has offered to help me with the bike prep since he is not sleeping in the Suburban in a Walmart parking lot somewhere or sponge-bathing in the Piggly Wiggly restroom. Brady stories are fun to hear as he just gets started traveling.
More later. I am gonna try to fit a nap in now that I have repacked my bags (no unwanted or unneccessary items as far as I know), got my new GPS unit (thanks Audrey) working, and think I have things under control. Also will list the items I have with me so you guys know what it takes to pull off something like what I am attempting, or give me something to look back at and say "of course, I forgot the...." as I reread it.
Anyway, I have to be honest. The nerves were cracking pretty good yesterday as I was flying Southwest (Ding! Feel free to move about the country.) en route to Florida. It started with little sleep. The ever amazing Audrey helped me pack my bike in it's transport case and we finished with that around 12:30am I think. Then I had more to do. The regular bill paying, cleaning up my office since I have technically rented her the house and so that space should be useable, and double checking my pack list like Santa Claus. At 2:30am I went to bed. At 4:45am the alarm went off so I could get spritzed up (spritz = a wet wash cloth and a slap in the face in this case), and head off to the airport for a 6:40am flight.
The entire way I was thinking about what I had packed, the fact it was a one-way trip (fairly committing), and how a full commitment would come when I ship my empty bike case back home. (By "the entire way" I mean the first 10 minutes while I was still awake, and then again after I woke up in Phoenix.) So three legs later (San Diego to Phoenix, Phoenix to Tampa, and Tampa to Jacksonville) I have to say that each step of the way, people who asked "business or pleasure in Jacksonville" or "Are you staying in Jacksonville long?" got a response they probably didn't plan on "I guess you call it pleasure and if all goes well, I won't be there long."
A guy (hi Joe) stopped me in Jacksonville airport and told me he had overheard my story to the person next to me. He was super supportive, maybe borderline envious (it's easy to be envious in an airponditioned airport) and appreciative that I was doing this for charity. He said he would follow the blog and if I came anywhere near his place in TX he would contact me and buy me dinner. Cool.
Skycap Eugene was super nice as well. After agreeing to split the money I tipped him with another skycap who had kindly made change for a $20 bill for me in prep for the shuttle I was going to take, Eugene then learned of my trip and told me to contact Channel 12 out of Jacksonville because they might cover my departure since thye do several stories on charities and have sports-loving reporters. I passed the info on to my friend Chris in Northern California who has unexpectedly volunteered to lead a press/media effort but I am not sure there is time for Channel 12 this time around.
Then Airport shuttle driver Robert who shared a bond with me related to the song "All my Ex's live in Texas". Robert and I had time to talk in the one hour drive from Jacksonville to St. Augustine, and he gave me a tour of St. Augustine as we looked for my hostel, the Pirate Haus & Inn in the center of Old Town.
All very kind people!
So here I am at the Pirate Haus (Arrrrgggg!) and I have met several very nice travelers from San Antonio (Brady), Mike (the Asst Mgr with dreams of life in Portland), Brandon from Gainseville (aspiring musician), Emily the organic farmer headed to Georgia, and Ronald from London. These were my new friends the first night as they insisted I join them for 50-cent beer night at a local tavern after having turned down Emily's homemade chili (delicious, I had some for lunch today). A few beers later, I came back to the hostel and got some Zzzzz's.
Today, April 24th, I took my bike to Sprockets Bike Shop. Robert from the bike shop just called me and my bike is ready to go. They basically reassembled it and will ship any items I decide I don't want and my empty bike case back to San Diego.
I will pick that up before 5pm thanks to Brady from San Antonio who has a gas guzzling Chevy Suburban and has offered to help me with the bike prep since he is not sleeping in the Suburban in a Walmart parking lot somewhere or sponge-bathing in the Piggly Wiggly restroom. Brady stories are fun to hear as he just gets started traveling.
More later. I am gonna try to fit a nap in now that I have repacked my bags (no unwanted or unneccessary items as far as I know), got my new GPS unit (thanks Audrey) working, and think I have things under control. Also will list the items I have with me so you guys know what it takes to pull off something like what I am attempting, or give me something to look back at and say "of course, I forgot the...." as I reread it.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
You Found Your Way Here, Eh???
Hi. Thanks for finding your way here.
I think I should probably start by saying...
1. why I am doing this
2. what equipment I am taking
3. identify my route
4. estimate when I will finish in San Diego
1. Why I am doing this.
Well, at least 3 years ago I bought a touring bike. My friend Mike and I actually bought identical touring bikes. He intended to do some bike camping, and I had this silly cross counntry ride in my head. I left my job at Tektronix in October 2006 and this bike was hanging in the garage. I had a few ideas in mind...
First, I chose easier stuff like going to Queretaro, Mexico (an amazing colonial town) to study Spanish in an immersion program. Well it may have been easier physically than biking 2,300 miles, but with 5 hours of class a day and staying with a family that spoke no english, my mind was fried at the end of each day.
Second, seeing how well traveling Mexico went, I decided to take what I learned to Spain. My friend Aaron and I ran with the bulls in Pamplona, and partied with the people at the San Fermin festival. Aaron left after 10 days in Spain, and I continued on my own through Spain, Portugal, France, Belgium, England, Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Italy. What I discovered was that traveling alone was pretty fun! Although languages were an additional challenge, I did alright with english and spanish, and best of all, my travel plans could change on a moments notice as I met other travelers that would pull me their way.
After returning from Europe, as I worked on my house in San Diego, I kept thinking about the people I met in Europe. 5 Argentineans I met in Rome asked me to come visit Buenos Aires, and I thought that was the next thing in line. After just another day of swinging a hammer or weilding a paintbrush in San Diego, I went to the bar. There I met Audrey, an awesome girl originally from Wisconsin who has insprired me through her triathalons, etc to look again at that bike hanging in the garage. As she was training for an Ironman she just completed in Arizona, I would ride my 10x heavier tour bike behind her and the desire to ride across the country was reborn. South America and Buenos Aires will be a reward for me sometime following the bike ride from St. Augustine, Florida to San Diego, CA.
2. What equipment am I taking.
Bike: I have a Giant OCR Touring bike. The frame is aluminum while the fork is chrome-moly.
It has 3 water bottle mounts, shimano 105 front deraileur, shimano lx rear deraileur, shimano 105 shifters, a shimano 105 triple chainring 52/42/30, clipless pedals, adjustable stem, Avid road disc brakes, mavic rims, shimano deore hubs, and a SRAM PG950 11-32 rear cassette.
I replaced the seat with a Brookes saddle: Chambion Flyer (like the B17 but with springs). It is a leather saddle and has two springs in the design to dampen the road vibration. I replaced the Michelin Dynamic tires with 700-32c Schwalbe Marathon Supreme tires which, at half the weight of the original tires, are known for the durability with testimonials by touring cyclists that they have had no flats in 2,000+ miles.
More info on Schwalbe tires: www.schwalbe.com
More info on Brookes saddles: www.brookesengland.com
I put on SKS P45 fenders to keep the mud down as I will surely ride through some rain.
The front (Tara) and rear (Cargo) racks are from Tubus, a German company that provides a 3-yr on the road warranty backed behind an overnight shipment anywhere if your racks need attention. More info on Tubus racks: http://www.tubus.com/index/lang/en/
My panniers are from Ortlieb, another German company as zee Germans are known to be zee best for bicycle touring. I have the Backroller Plus and Front roller Plus panniers to attach to the Tubus racks. In addition I have the Ortleib Rackpack and Ultimate5 Plus handlebar bag. That is a LOT of waterproof storage for my things! Maybe too much. We will see.
More info on Ortlieb panniers: http://www.ortlieb.com/index2.php?lang=en
So the bags and racks probably add another 10 pounds, so the bike weight is at 40 pounds without adding any cargo to it. I will go into what specific cargo I am taking for such an adventure during another blog post.
If you are counting, the German companies so far mentioned are: Tubus, Ortlieb, and Schwalbe. I was not looking specifically to buy German made gear, but after reviewing the equipment and reading reviews by others, it turned out that way.
3. Identify my route
ok, I just scared myself a little. I thought this was a 2,300-mile ride since I went to Google and checked distance between St. Augustine and San Diego. Now I looked at my maps and I see it is 3,115 miles. Oh well.
I found a great resource for mapping routes for me. Adventure Cycling Association is an organization that promotes travel by bicycle. I ordered maps for their Southern Tier route from St. Augustine, Florida to San Diego, CA. This is a series of 7 maps, each with a recommended lesser traveled route, and with identified campgrounds, motels/hotels, hostels, bike shops, grocery stores, post offices, and libraries (for internet). Have a look at the picture of my overall route. If you are on or near this route, go to http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/southerntier.cfm and click on "detail" on the portion where you are located. If you still think you are close, give me a call (cell 619 990 9098) if I can crash on your sofa or set up my tent in your yard.
I recommend spending some time at their site, www.adventurecycling.org. At this site, plenty of people have blogged about their journeys, and are looking for companions to travel with, etc.
For a quick assessment of my trip, here are some cities I will go through:
FLORIDA: St. Augustine, Palatka, Hawthorne, Gainseville, High Springs, Wellborn, Madison, Monticello, Tallahassee, Quincy, Chattahoochee, Marianna, Bonifay, Defuniak Springs, Crestview, Milton, Pensacola,
ALABAMA: Gulf Shores, Fairhope, Mobile, Grand Bay
MISSISSIPPI: Vancleave, Perkinston, Poplarville
LOUISIANA: Bogalusa, Easleyville, St. Francisville (near Baton Rouge), Simmesport, Lebeau, Washington, Mamou, Oberlin, Mittie, De Ridder, Merryville
TEXAS: Kirbyville, Silsbee, Kountze, Romayor, Coldspring, New Waverly, Navasota (NW of Houston), Burton, LaGrange, Bastrop, Austin, Kyle, Blanco, Kerrville, Hunt, Leakey, Camp Wood, Bracketville, Del Rio, Comstock, Langtry, Dryden, Sanderson, Marathon, Alpine, Fort Davis, Kent, Van Horn, Sierra Blanca, Fort Hancock, Fabens, El Paso
NEW MEXICO: La Mesa, Las Cruces, Hatch, Hillsboro, Silver City, Buckhorn
ARIZONA: Safford, Geronimo, Superioe, Apache Junction, Tempe, Phoeniz, Wickenburg, Aquila, Salome, Hope, Quartzsite
CALIFORNIA: Blythe, Glamis, Brawley, Seeley, Jacumba, Alpine, CA, San Diego, CA
4. Estimate when I will finish
I plan to ride about 50 miles a day, sometimes more, sometimes less. If I take 3,115 miles and divide by 50, it looks like 62 days. But I will likely take a rest day once a week. Remember this is a pleasure ride through America, not a race for speed. So 62 days will cover almost 9 weeks, so add 9 days to 62 and it looks like I will be out for 71 days or so.
If i begin pedaling in FL April 25th as planned, oh man, I just did the math... that puts me in San Diego July 4th. Remember that Audrey girl I mentioned as an inspiration for this ride? July 4th is Audrey's Birthday (as well as 97 yr old grandma's).
So there you have it.
More next time.
I think I should probably start by saying...
1. why I am doing this
2. what equipment I am taking
3. identify my route
4. estimate when I will finish in San Diego
1. Why I am doing this.
Well, at least 3 years ago I bought a touring bike. My friend Mike and I actually bought identical touring bikes. He intended to do some bike camping, and I had this silly cross counntry ride in my head. I left my job at Tektronix in October 2006 and this bike was hanging in the garage. I had a few ideas in mind...
First, I chose easier stuff like going to Queretaro, Mexico (an amazing colonial town) to study Spanish in an immersion program. Well it may have been easier physically than biking 2,300 miles, but with 5 hours of class a day and staying with a family that spoke no english, my mind was fried at the end of each day.
Second, seeing how well traveling Mexico went, I decided to take what I learned to Spain. My friend Aaron and I ran with the bulls in Pamplona, and partied with the people at the San Fermin festival. Aaron left after 10 days in Spain, and I continued on my own through Spain, Portugal, France, Belgium, England, Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Italy. What I discovered was that traveling alone was pretty fun! Although languages were an additional challenge, I did alright with english and spanish, and best of all, my travel plans could change on a moments notice as I met other travelers that would pull me their way.
After returning from Europe, as I worked on my house in San Diego, I kept thinking about the people I met in Europe. 5 Argentineans I met in Rome asked me to come visit Buenos Aires, and I thought that was the next thing in line. After just another day of swinging a hammer or weilding a paintbrush in San Diego, I went to the bar. There I met Audrey, an awesome girl originally from Wisconsin who has insprired me through her triathalons, etc to look again at that bike hanging in the garage. As she was training for an Ironman she just completed in Arizona, I would ride my 10x heavier tour bike behind her and the desire to ride across the country was reborn. South America and Buenos Aires will be a reward for me sometime following the bike ride from St. Augustine, Florida to San Diego, CA.
2. What equipment am I taking.
Bike: I have a Giant OCR Touring bike. The frame is aluminum while the fork is chrome-moly.
It has 3 water bottle mounts, shimano 105 front deraileur, shimano lx rear deraileur, shimano 105 shifters, a shimano 105 triple chainring 52/42/30, clipless pedals, adjustable stem, Avid road disc brakes, mavic rims, shimano deore hubs, and a SRAM PG950 11-32 rear cassette.
I replaced the seat with a Brookes saddle: Chambion Flyer (like the B17 but with springs). It is a leather saddle and has two springs in the design to dampen the road vibration. I replaced the Michelin Dynamic tires with 700-32c Schwalbe Marathon Supreme tires which, at half the weight of the original tires, are known for the durability with testimonials by touring cyclists that they have had no flats in 2,000+ miles.
More info on Schwalbe tires: www.schwalbe.com
More info on Brookes saddles: www.brookesengland.com
I put on SKS P45 fenders to keep the mud down as I will surely ride through some rain.
The front (Tara) and rear (Cargo) racks are from Tubus, a German company that provides a 3-yr on the road warranty backed behind an overnight shipment anywhere if your racks need attention. More info on Tubus racks: http://www.tubus.com/index/lang/en/
My panniers are from Ortlieb, another German company as zee Germans are known to be zee best for bicycle touring. I have the Backroller Plus and Front roller Plus panniers to attach to the Tubus racks. In addition I have the Ortleib Rackpack and Ultimate5 Plus handlebar bag. That is a LOT of waterproof storage for my things! Maybe too much. We will see.
More info on Ortlieb panniers: http://www.ortlieb.com/index2.php?lang=en
So the bags and racks probably add another 10 pounds, so the bike weight is at 40 pounds without adding any cargo to it. I will go into what specific cargo I am taking for such an adventure during another blog post.
If you are counting, the German companies so far mentioned are: Tubus, Ortlieb, and Schwalbe. I was not looking specifically to buy German made gear, but after reviewing the equipment and reading reviews by others, it turned out that way.
3. Identify my route
ok, I just scared myself a little. I thought this was a 2,300-mile ride since I went to Google and checked distance between St. Augustine and San Diego. Now I looked at my maps and I see it is 3,115 miles. Oh well.
I found a great resource for mapping routes for me. Adventure Cycling Association is an organization that promotes travel by bicycle. I ordered maps for their Southern Tier route from St. Augustine, Florida to San Diego, CA. This is a series of 7 maps, each with a recommended lesser traveled route, and with identified campgrounds, motels/hotels, hostels, bike shops, grocery stores, post offices, and libraries (for internet). Have a look at the picture of my overall route. If you are on or near this route, go to http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/southerntier.cfm and click on "detail" on the portion where you are located. If you still think you are close, give me a call (cell 619 990 9098) if I can crash on your sofa or set up my tent in your yard.
I recommend spending some time at their site, www.adventurecycling.org. At this site, plenty of people have blogged about their journeys, and are looking for companions to travel with, etc.
For a quick assessment of my trip, here are some cities I will go through:
FLORIDA: St. Augustine, Palatka, Hawthorne, Gainseville, High Springs, Wellborn, Madison, Monticello, Tallahassee, Quincy, Chattahoochee, Marianna, Bonifay, Defuniak Springs, Crestview, Milton, Pensacola,
ALABAMA: Gulf Shores, Fairhope, Mobile, Grand Bay
MISSISSIPPI: Vancleave, Perkinston, Poplarville
LOUISIANA: Bogalusa, Easleyville, St. Francisville (near Baton Rouge), Simmesport, Lebeau, Washington, Mamou, Oberlin, Mittie, De Ridder, Merryville
TEXAS: Kirbyville, Silsbee, Kountze, Romayor, Coldspring, New Waverly, Navasota (NW of Houston), Burton, LaGrange, Bastrop, Austin, Kyle, Blanco, Kerrville, Hunt, Leakey, Camp Wood, Bracketville, Del Rio, Comstock, Langtry, Dryden, Sanderson, Marathon, Alpine, Fort Davis, Kent, Van Horn, Sierra Blanca, Fort Hancock, Fabens, El Paso
NEW MEXICO: La Mesa, Las Cruces, Hatch, Hillsboro, Silver City, Buckhorn
ARIZONA: Safford, Geronimo, Superioe, Apache Junction, Tempe, Phoeniz, Wickenburg, Aquila, Salome, Hope, Quartzsite
CALIFORNIA: Blythe, Glamis, Brawley, Seeley, Jacumba, Alpine, CA, San Diego, CA
4. Estimate when I will finish
I plan to ride about 50 miles a day, sometimes more, sometimes less. If I take 3,115 miles and divide by 50, it looks like 62 days. But I will likely take a rest day once a week. Remember this is a pleasure ride through America, not a race for speed. So 62 days will cover almost 9 weeks, so add 9 days to 62 and it looks like I will be out for 71 days or so.
If i begin pedaling in FL April 25th as planned, oh man, I just did the math... that puts me in San Diego July 4th. Remember that Audrey girl I mentioned as an inspiration for this ride? July 4th is Audrey's Birthday (as well as 97 yr old grandma's).
So there you have it.
More next time.
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