Monday, August 30, 2010

Count-Down

I leave in a little more than a week!  Starting to get really excited that the trip is just around the corner.  I really haven't been riding much, but I'm not too worried, I know I'll be fine and adapt once I get on the road.

Friday rode Critical Mass, got in around 18 miles.  Check this site for a description: http://sandiegocriticalmass.org/  Cut it short (the mass usually completes the route back at Balboa) because friends wanted to hang out in OB afterward, which was fun.

We showed up at the Balboa fountain around 15 minutes late, so had to do a lot of catching up, which was a great workout and fun in itself.  Especially when we couldn't find the group, only to ride on University and look down and see them on the 163  freeway.  So we climbed down a hill, across an off-ramp, and joined the fun.  This time was a little different, instead of going through the terminal at Lindbergh and along N Harbor drive, the mass stayed North along the PCH.  There was a Fedex 737 that taxied into position and took off right as we were riding by...very cool.

The following morning I had somebody come check out the motorcycle, test ride and decide to buy it. We filled out the papers and he gave me the cash.  The rest of the day I started organizing and going through stuff to get rid of for the move this weekend.

Yesterday I had to drive the motorcycle to Chula Vista, so I decided to make a trip out of it and went with my roommate Alex down the coast from Oceanside to Del Mar.  I stopped at REI in Encinitas and scored a nice, basic rain jacket.  Now I have decent rain gear, so hopefully I'll be more comfortable in those rains I'm sure to hit at some point on the ride.

I'm still waiting to receive my front panniers and rack, which should arrive Wednesday.  I'm cutting it close with that stuff, but had to go through reviews of several different designs as well as finding the most reasonably priced (a lot of this stuff can be very expensive).  I'm going to go back to the bike store probably tomorrow night and get a few other items I'm still missing.  I think I'm going to pack everything up Thursday or Friday and do a small ride and just try to think of anything I still might want or be missing.

I spoke to several different shipping companies (the big three), and it turns out I really have no way of shipping the fuel canisters I have.  It looks like I'll have to purchase some when I arrive in Seattle, which is a bummer because I have a bag of canisters that I scored free from a maintenance worker at a hotel when I was in Flagstaff last fall.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

The Mighty Steed



Didn't have any pictures up here, and the first, I figure, has to be my bike, so here's a shot of the Novara I'll be riding.


Got a lot done on Sunday.  Cut a piece of 3ml polyethylene plastic as a ground cover for the tent.  From the rest of the plastic sheet I cut a piece as a cover for the bike in case of serious pouring rain.  Finished working on the truck, putting in a new electronic pressure gauge and sender to diagnose the fuel delivery problem I've been experiencing.  Tried patching the front tube that went flat on Saturday but realized I put the patch upside-down ( :X ) , so I'll have to try it again...

Have a guy coming to look at the motorcycle today, selling that to get money for the trip.  Ordered front bike rack and bags.  Forgot to mention rode with the new seat on Saturday, and definitely felt a lot better. 

Only a couple weeks out and as excited as ever.  Feeling more frantic though as I'm scrambling to get things in order.  I know I'll get everything done, just have to make sure it's accomplished ahead of time (tough since I'm Mr. procrastinator!).

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Beautiful Day

After taking a week off recovering due to illness, it was great to get back on the bike today.  Got in close to 40 miles today, but did something a little different.  Per my friend's recommendation, we went north (drove) to Christianitos road, in San Clemente, just north of Camp Pendleton and parked.  Got on our bikes and went north along El Camino Real for a few miles, where it met with the PCH and the ocean. It was amazing to bike right next to the water, then get into the hills of Orange County and nearly get taken off the road by the many passing cars intent on splattering us against the parked cars.

We kept riding north into Laguna, and that's when I realized that my Dad's girlfriend lives there, and suddenly I hear a noise.  I look down at my front wheel to see a big chunk of glass sticking out of hit, hissing air at me.  Fortunately, Vince and I were right in front of a burger joint and we walked over where I changed the flat in the shade.  Spoke to my Dad and figured out that they were only a couple blocks south of our location!  We met up with them and went to Sally's house where Vince and I slammed an ice cold beer, and I feasted on veggy tamales, rice, beans and fresh salsa.  What a break!?!  Afterward, the two of us rode south, catching a strong tailwind and sailed back to the car in no time.

What a great ride, it was spectacular to come over some of the hills and see the homes scattered along the hills and the ocean stretched out forever.  Towards the beginning of the ride, I was overcome with glee at how real the trip is becoming and how close it is from now.  I was picturing myself actually out there on the road with my bike and gear, and couldn't wipe the huge grin off my face.

 I was sick for nearly 6 days, from Thursday to Tuesday, with last weekend being the worst.  I didn't have any nausea but man did my body ache, and feel useless.  I attempted to go mountain biking with my roommate Alex on Saturday, only to struggle all day, knowing full well of every minute, that I should be back home in bed recovering, which is what I did Sunday.  It feels so good to be healthy again!

Going to go through gear tomorrow and find out exactly what I still need to get.  Most importantly, I'm going to order my front pannier bags and a front rack.  There's lots of other odds-and-ends to track down: helmet mirror (to see cars coming from behind), rain jacket, bike cover (going to make one out of thin plastic).  Gotta cut and fit a ground cover for the tent.  Need to finish working on my truck to get it in good working order for when I move, as well as go through a bunch of stuff to get rid of and sell.

Working everyday this week as I have been for the past few weeks trying to save up for the trip.  I definitely have to make up some lost training time, so I'm planning on riding 3 days after work, doing at least 20 miles, then another 40-50miler next weekend.  The knee wasn't feeling that bad today.  A little sore on some stretches, but not bad, guess it might have been good to be sick and force myself to take a week off...

I found out this week after more research, that I likely have "runner's knee".  It's a condition of overuse, and applies to many different activities.  It happens as certain muslces get worked more than others in the leg and imbalance occurs.  It sounds like my quadriceps need to be strengthened, and my hamstrings are too tight.  So I'm going to focus on a lot more stretching and more quad workouts when I go to the gym.

Using the fantastic site, "couchsurfing.org", I have lined up a spot to stay with Janelle, in Vancouver, BC  for one night my first weekend, and possibly in Victoria, BC.  Janelle is a massage therapist, fortunately, and has been very helpful in making recommendations to alleviate my knee pain.  I also spoke to my sister-in-law's Dad, and has graciously offered to pick me up and host me my first night.  I was checking out ferry routes and plan on taking the ferry from Vancouver to Vancouver island, then ride south to Victoria, and stay the night. Then ferry to Port Angeles, WA, and start riding.

Going to bed, for a full day of tasks to be completed.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

The Hills Ahead

Went on a ride yesterday, ~20 miles to Oceanside and back home.  Knee was feeling worse than usual.  I was still able to ride fine, just caused minor discomfort, as well as significant concern for the trip.  The seat I have been using is not the most comfortable, this may have to do with some of the knee pain. I'm going to put on a different seat, maybe even a third and try to find the right one and position.

I've been having knee pain for roughly a month with no specific injury.  It began to get a bit better, but that has remained in the same annoying condition for a few weeks now.

I have a lot more training to do, but I know I need to err on the side of caution because once I'm on the ride I can get into better shape, but it will be more difficult to heal.  Think I'm going to take a couple days off then do a 40miler this weekend. 

Went to the bike store yesterday and picked up a bike box from the back dumpster.  They're free cardboard bike boxes that the bike stores receive new bikes in.  I picked out the nicest of the four and collected foam from all the boxes next to the dumpster.  I checked earlier this week with the airline and it's only $50 to check my bike in a box as luggage.  Not bad for shipping a bicycle across the country, not to mention the bike will be with me at the airport so I will have transportation immediately.

I also got a bike pump finally at the store and went for the nicer "park" $25 one than conveniently compresses to fit inside my frame.  So now when I get a flat tire, I will actually be able to change and fill the tire/tube.

Still need to order a front rack with pannier bags (I bought a pair of rear bags about a month ago).

Only a few weeks out now, and the to-do list is suddenly catching up to me.  Need to get rid of and sell a lot of stuff as I move out of my current residence.  I'm working everyday until a few days before I'm supposed to leave, so I need to dedicate more time to sourcing items and making arrangements.  I want to make sure that I have all the necessary equipment on the trip to ensure everything runs smoothly, but mainly keep my enjoyment level high!

Considering all the injuries I have incurred in my life, I know that I will definitely be taking it easy before the departure, can't get hurt doing something stupid right before this.




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Monday, August 9, 2010

Confirmed!

I'm bicycling across the country, 2,000 miles, from Vancouver, BC to San Diego, CA.  I leave September 9th, 2010, and have an indefinite return date, probably late October.  I plan on stopping to visit friends and family along the way, which will delay the finish.  After all, I'm not in a rush, and plan on enjoying every bit of what the coast has to offer.

I have wanted to do this ride for nearly 3 years, after meeting numerous people in Humboldt, CA that were doing the ride themselves.  I have never enjoyed street riding because of all the cars and danger, but mainly breathing nasty pollution from the exhaust.  After considering how amazing a trip like this would be, I decided the positives far out-weighed the negatives, and purchased a late 90's Novara touring bike in the Spring of 2009.  Numerous circumstances prevented me from going last summer, so I have planned for the past year to go this year.

I started this blog to let people monitor my progress, although I probably won't be able to update it frequently, but when I do, I will try and cover all of the missed days in a summary from my journal.

I just bought my plane ticket today, so the trip is definitely happening. I still have a lot to do to get ready, including training!  Have to get a lot more gear, and do some practice simulation rides to make sure there are important things I won't forget to bring.

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for updates