3 Months Out

3 Months Out

The weather is finally starting to warm, becoming inviting for longer rides. Over the winter I have continued running, typically 5 miles 3 days per week with a longer 7 mile run on Sundays. Cycling has been limited to a few excursions out when the temps allow, but has mostly been restricted to indoor stationary workouts at the Savoy Rec Center.

In less than two weeks Barb, Joe and I will head to the Florida Keys where Joe and I intend to cycle from just south of Miami, to Key West. While we won’t be tent camping, we intend on carrying our full allotment of gear to test our equipment, packing strategies and experience our fully loaded bikes. The Keys will not afford anywhere near the grades we will encounter early in our tour, but we may encounter sufficient headwinds to provide a reasonable representation of that challenge.

Equipment preparation is progressing. I had my bike to Amling’s Cycle in Niles, IL for a check up, disc brake servicing and fluid change in the Rohlof transmission. I am currently awaiting a replacement linkage for the steering from Germany after having snapped it during an unexpected encounter with a slippery bridge on the Meadowbrook Park recreational trail last week. Joe’s Haluzak is in good shape. I will do the pre-trip service and maintenance since it has more conventional cycle components. The recommended tires for long distance touring are Schwalbe Marathons. Those are in our inventory, but I will wait until a few weeks before we leave for Oregon to change over. The acquisition of riding clothing is complete except for some decent cycling shoes for Joe. While he has Keen Commuter sandals, they don’t provide the best fit for hours, days and weeks of constant cycling.

We will spend some time this week to get our panniers packed and ready for the Florida trial run. Joe will use my older Canondale panniers as they are more suited than the basic Bike Nashbar variety he has used on previous trips. Arkel raincovers will provide that extra protection for our equipment should it be needed. Sleeping bags and tents are ready as well as an assortment of tools and camping accessories.

I appreciate all the support and words of encouragement so far! I intend on posting some answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about our trip and preparations in the near future. I will dedicate one upcoming post to our equipment details.

Lastly, I am awaiting the finalizing of arrangements with Razoo.com thru which will provide the mechanism for the ultimate purpose of this trip, fundraising for water projects in Malawi, Africa. I hope to have those completed and the interface up and running in the next week or two.