Pedal The Unknown: Ready For Launch, All Systems Go!

Here is a random quote I saw in a restaurant that moved me: "How well did you live, how well did you love, how well did you learn to let go?"

I found this short piece I wrote, I think I was going to use it as an introduction for a letter to send to companies to inquire about sponsorship:
It's one of those gorgeous, perfect days, which I wish would never end. I'm biking along as usual, but fortunately there are no cars today, so the ride is quiet. All I can hear is the wind, that's gently blowing and bringing scents of faraway places. The landscape is a lush green that a picture or painting could never do justice. In this moment, everything is perfect, and I can't help but smile at it all.

I am finally updating my blog after a few-month hiatus. The reason for this is mainly due to the death of my friend Miles (see previous post) and because I wanted to do a tribute post for him first.

I am leaving next week for Anchorage! But I am getting ahead of myself, let me start from the beginning...sort of:

Miles' memorial/paddle-out was slated for three weeks after his death, coupled with the fact it was exceedingly difficult to sell my truck, resulted in me reevaluating my trip plans - I decided to stick around, get a decent price for my truck, find some work, and leave in the Summer to restart in Alaska and continue to South America (I've always wanted to see the interior of Canada, the Yukon, BC, the Tetons, Yellowstone, etc).

So I drove to Crescent City, CA for the memorial and paddle-out for a few days in late February. Upon my return, promptly sold my truck, interestingly, (finally after having several people test drive it) to a couple that had first checked out my truck and filtration setup.

I bought a fun little hatchback Mazda that gets excellent fuel mileage to drive for the remaining few months I would stay in San Diego and work. I found a job at a local restaurant waiting tables (my bread and butter), and have been working there the past few months 4-6 shifts a week trying to save up as much as I can. I bought a plane ticket to Anchorage shortly after selling my truck, for nearly the exact same price of when I flew to Seattle in the Fall (yes!), however, I have a 9-hour layover!!!

I contacted a few different companies about possible sponsorship for my upcoming trip. I actually randomly stopped by the Patagonia store in Santa Monica on my first bike tour (biking the pacific coast) where I spoke to Bryan, the manager. He was very generous in offering a gear donation (see picture below) everything I'm wearing in the picture is from them, including a nice rain jacket. Thanks again Bryan, Danni, and everyone at Patagonia!

Besides the obvious... my time in back in San Diego has been grand, hanging out with friends and family, surfing and snowboarding lots, staying in shape (trying). I went on several snowboarding trips (most of the time with my good friend Reza), to the local mountains where we spent most days hitting jumps and practicing tricks. I discovered the thrilling hobby of frisbee golf, and played at a local course that is about 2 miles from my house in North Park, numerous times. I went to Las Vegas to meet my cousin and his friend who are both from Minneapolis (I usually see them every summer when I travel there to see family). We had such a great time lounging by the pool, and checking out some clubs at night. I made a trip up to Mammoth with my uncle Don where we scored some great powder. I ended up slightly injuring my ankle after over-shooting one of the landings, that still slightly hurts to this day.

I completely rebuilt my bicycle upon returning to San Diego. Kevin, a bike mechanic at Adam's Ave Bikes, was extremely helpful, and kind in helping me to dial in my bike. He let me come in a few times and use a bike stand, tools, and his knowledge while I replaced nearly every piece on my bike. Thanks again Kev, appreciate the help!

In order to accommodate my travel plans, my Mom and her long-time boyfriend finally sealed the deal and were married at her house just a few weeks ago. I brewed a beer for the occasion, a 6% brown ale that went down smooth. It was nice seeing old family-friends and family again, and was a beautiful setting on the patio over-looking the canyon.

Besides working, I've been spending a lot of time trying to enjoy all the little things society, and having a car, has to offer. I have definitely been surfing a lot (after Anchorage, I won't even see the ocean again until my return to San Diego). I've gone beach camping quite a few times, which consists of having a bonfire on the beach, then wake up in the morning and surf. I have been playing my acoustic guitar regularly. Recently, I realized how nice it is to have cooking appliances, like a big stove, pots/pans, and a blender, so I've been cooking some meals that I know I won't be making on my trip.

As if I wasn't carrying enough garbage on the first trip, I bought a 3/4 size travel guitar, and a case, that I will be bringing along. I bought the guitar for cheap on craigslist, and it's conveniently called "Amigo" (it will probably turn into a "Wilson"- like object at some point in the trip).

I finally spent some time and figured out why I wasn't receiving notifications when comments are left on my posts, so now I get emails when responses are left, fyi. Also, I have made a map of my first bike tour, Biking The Pacific Coast, that can be see below.

So I bought some more tools, got a few more maps, and basically with the same gear, I'm ready to take on the world! The knowledge I gained while working in the bike shop with Kevin, I would consider to be priceless, and will surely come in handy at some point in the trip. I am feeling both nervous and excited, but wait anxiously for the trip to begin.

As I embark on this trip-of-a-lifetime, I would like to remind you how important this trip is to me. Although I cannot prevent everything bad from happening, I will sincerely do my best. Just remember, if something tragic were to happen, I'm doing something that I truly enjoy (can most people say that in their lives?)!

I fly out July 6 to Anchorage, arriving in the evening. My dad frequents Alaska every summer for a few weeks. He is arriving a few days before I do, and will pick me up at the airport. We'll spend some time together camping, fishing, flying, then part ways and I'll make my way down to Seward where I'll stay with a couchsurfer and hopefully fulfill a life-long goal of seeing Orcas in the wild. From there I'll head back to Anchorage, then bike North to Fairbanks, and continue pedaling South-East into the great, unknown...

Here is a map of my last bicycle tour in the Fall of 2010:

Pink markers = ~ camping locations, Blue markers = people I stayed with