Preparations

Chromoly Wally, a Specialized Hard Rock mountain bike converted for road touring.  It was a gift from my brother for Christmas, 1997


I've been getting ready for this trip since the first of the year.  So, much of the planning was done earlier, but as the time draws near I keep finding more things to do.

Wally was tuned up in January.  It got new shifters, cables, brake pads, chain, pedals and tires.  All adjustments have been made.  Wally is 20 years old now and has probably around 40,000 miles on it but is in great shape.  The only original parts left are the frame, stem, seat post and front derailleur.

I seam sealed my tent, got a packing list together, ordered some new gear and generally have been poring over the route, studying the blogs of others who have done this and am trying not to forget any details.

Wally will be shipped FedEx (via shipbikes.com, a low-cost way of shipping bikes).  I will drive to Sacramento and stay with my sister, Kathy, then fly to Jacksonville, Florida, where I'll spend the night.  The next day a shuttle will take me to St. Augustine.  I'll pick up Wally there and put him back together.   The next day I'll start riding.  I'll be staying in motels and camping.  How much of each remains to be seen.  

This is a solo tour.  If I get to the point where I need some occasional camaraderie, it won't be hard to find since this is a well-established route for touring cyclists.



Comments

  1. Michael LewisSeptember 7, 2018 at 9:16 PM

    Wow Gar! I'm humbled. Didn't know I was such an inspiration. Can't wait to read about your trip. Cancer fighters ahoy! Press on!

    By the way Gary lost his first mountain bike in the Sacramento river at flood stage during the 1997 El Nino flood. He pitched it off his house boat in the middle of the night but it didn't make it to the dock. He almost went in after it. That's when I knew he would like a new bike for Christmas since I drew his name. Didn't know it would eventually be his steed throughout the world. Go Gary go!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Leo TaylorSeptember 8, 2018 at 5:08 PM

      That was a tough loss. I had done my first tour on that bike so it had sentimental value. I was living on a boat at the time and was heading out for work. The river was about 12 feet higher than normal. I had to climb over some cross members at the top of the dock's pilings, carrying the bike over with me. A board I was hanging on to broke free and I had to let go of the bike as I fell to the dock. The bike bounced off the dock and into the river, which was flowing at about 8 knots. I dove to the deck and tried to grab the rear wheel. All I was able to do is touch the tire with my fingertip before it went under. I spent weeks fishing for it with a strong magnet, to no avail. It was a sad, sad day. But you saved the day when you got Wally for me. Thanks Mike!

      Delete
  2. UnknownSeptember 10, 2018 at 9:33 AM

    Hey Gar. My name is Mark and I'm a friend of Mike's. I just bought a touring bike and have does several short trips and looking to advance. He shared this blog and I plan to follow along.

    Mark

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Leo TaylorSeptember 10, 2018 at 12:36 PM

      Hi Mark and welcome aboard! Always nice to have another touring cyclist along. What bike did you get? LHT?

      Delete

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