Prep Work

Today was a light training day, just 24 miles, 1:20, not bad time, but there is SO much more to do. Staying busy getting ready, ordering parts and accessories, and adjusting my bike. My mini-pump, basically an air pump that mounts to my bike, should be here in a few days, the Topeak Road Morph, with a gauge. Fund raising is always on my mind and I am hoping to have some more funds coming in soon. The $4000 goal will be a push to the end, but for now I must consume myself with 100 other things on my list, always trying to get ready to ride.

jh

65+

65+, A designation usually reserved for eligibility into AARP*, takes on a new personal meaning today in the form the number of miles rode. A light Sunday afternoon ride turned into 4.5 hours on the rode, covering over 65 miles while zipping around Huntsville. I am sure my body will hate me tomorrow, once there has been time for it to realize the distance it went today. Mile 1 is getting closer and closer, and I feel like I have more and more to do before the trip begins. With a few more generous people, I will be at the $4000 requirement and officially ready to ride; I just have to find those generous people. I am excited about selecting my summer reading list; I will let you know when that decision has been made. There is a certain comfort found in this chaos that surround me.

jh

*I am fully aware eligibility into AARP begins at age 50, but it works so well in my analogy I will leave it.

My Shiny Red Bicycle...

So of course, my shiny red bicycle and I are beginning to become accustomed to each other, but there was a slight hiccup on our second adventure, in the form of a flat tire. After happily riding in a light rain, no warning, just went flat...fast. The luxurious walk home gave me plenty of time to realize that the essentials are actually necessary. Somewhat of a redundant epiphany, I realize. But now we are well equipped with extra inner tubes and bicycle pumps. Today entailed an intense 25 mile ride over a small mountain, definitely felt the pizza I ate before riding; not a good idea for future reference. Everyday feels like a new scramble trying to tie-up loose ends before the trip starts. Working full-time, riding, and raising money basically takes up all my time, but suddenly the thought "I am going to bike across the country," began to take hold. Not across a town, not across a state, but a country....and a big one too. I am excited and can't wait to see everything fall into place and for the ride to start.

jh

I am Bicycle, and you can too.

It is perhaps, at best, quasi-whimsical upon first encounter with someone, or something, that you know will be highly involved in your life. A curious tilt of the head, inquiring eyes, and a slightly wrinkled forehead are the beginnings of an indelible relationship soon to come. I am, of course, talking about unpacking my bicycle, which arrived via mail in a box almost bigger than my lengthy torso. Despite its mere 26 pounds, the box contained a sleekly concealed Giant Defy 2, which will be my chosen transportation to the Pacific Ocean. It was indeed an odd scene; me, walking in scrutinizing circles around the stoic glare of the shiny, red bicycle. An arranged marriage for the next 4000 miles that will entail countless adventures across the broad expanse of the United States; Portsmouth, NH to Vancouver, BC. I will say fund raising is halfway to the goal of $4000, and would like to offer an emphatic Thank You, to all the generous supporters that have enabled me thus far. Who ever said a cross country bike trip is not good for the soul? I am excited about what is to come; the journey, the challenge and the reward. An opportunity to do incredible things that benefit a greater community should never be passed up. Thanks again to everyone and I look forward to tracking the trip via the blog-o-sphere. Click here to go to my Bike and Build page.

jh