My head is spinning with things I still need to do for this trip. I have decided that I had better start writing things down, or I am going to forget something major that needs to be done. I need about 4 more hours in each day. I would have loved to have gotten in a century this past weekend as the weather here was stellar, but I had yard work to do, a memorial service to attend, a grandson's ball game, a daughter's kickball game, a bike to pick up. Yes...the Rodriguez is back, and looks so beautiful, I don't know that I can take it out in today's rain. There were some issues...a frozen bearing in the rear Phil Wood hub for one. "How could you not feel that?" the mechanic asked. "Well...sometimes I just feel incredibly slow on the bike.". New TA chain rings, cables, bar tape, bottom bracket, several new spokes on the rear wheel where I had taken a nasty spill and the chain had nicked up the spokes, and headset serviced. The fenders and rack are off and the bike is light and responsive. I think having the bikes serviced so thoroughly might save me about an hour of riding each day.
The Bonelocker Rack should be here today or tomorrow. I'll put it on the truck to make sure of the fit and set the spacing of the trays to accommodate 3 bikes.
I had a few valet keys (the keys that will unlock your door, but not start your car) made so that all of us will have keys to the truck.
I tried a recipe of chicken Alfredo using sauce from a jar. I had looked online to see if there was a premade sauce that people seemed to like and Classico got the nod, so the penne was boiled, chicken and roasted red peppers were added, and a palatable meal was the result. I am looking for about 5 more "easy, tasty, full of protein" recipes, so if you have one you'd like to share, please do. Emphasis on easy, as we will have one skillet and one saucepan. I needed a 9" revere ware skillet for the trip, and had a few people watching for one at garage sales and such. As it turns out, a friend of my mom's had one that "she never used anyway" and she simply gave it to me. Every time I have scrambled eggs for breakfast, I will think of her.
Getting the detailed routes, along with cues sheets and directions to our overnight stop on paper maps continues, but it is slow going. I try to do a couple of states each night.
My goal for this week is to take care of all of the campground reservations and send out an email to all of the Warm Shower hosts to get contact information. I still need to find a place to stay in Gordon, Nebraska and Anchorage, Alaska, so it would be nice to get those two things nailed down as well.
I am trying to take care of the details as they come to mind, because I know that this time next month I will be packing and then repacking. Someone in an online blog figured that something "was bound to go wrong during my trip". Seriously? Isn't that what life is? Things planned, and then things mucking up those plans? The happiest people are those who can take those things that go wrong and mitigate them...reduce them to shrugs, a scratch of the head, and an idea to move forward. Color me happy.
maybe you can't...because you won't...
Monday, April 16, 2012
Monday, April 9, 2012
T minus 43
March is over and I hope the heavy rains are too. We had record amounts of rainfall here in the Pacific NW along with colder than normal temps, so getting in 1277 miles for the month felt pretty good. I am riding 60's now, and feeling strong.
I took my Litespeed in to my favorite mechanic, who is both thorough and meticulous. I had debated...could've probably recabled the bike myself, and changing out cassettes and chains has never been an issue. But there was this funny "flex" in the headset...I actually got off the bike the last time I rode it to see if there was a crack in the frame. Nope...it all looked good. Come to find out, the headset had sheared apart where the bearings are...it simply got tired and wore out. Anyway...I don't do headsets, or bottom brackets, or wheels. And I needed all of those things serviced. He went completely through the bike...new middle chainring, new bar tape, new wheel bearings in trued wheels, new pulleys on the rear dérailleur, and of course...a new headset...smooth.as.silk. It's a beautiful thing. I would tell you that my average has picked up a couple of miles per hour, but then you might start expecting speed out of me and we have already had that conversation.
I have started printing out the detailed maps that will be carried in a folder for whomever is driving the truck. There are usually 4-6 pages of route, and I have written the cue sheets for the day on the page itself. I have also penned the directions to our overnight stop on the back of the last page. It has been time consuming, and I hope our routes do not change too much from here on out, because if they do, then I will, of course, have to redo the cue sheet. These maps should make it easy for everyone who is riding. It will be their responsibility to copy the cue sheet directions for the sections that they want to ride, or make photocopies of the sheets. The map sheets are placed in a plastic sleeve and put into a 3-ring binder that will hold all 50 states...when we finish a particular state, the sheets will go into a folder called "Been There-Done That".
I also had some little business cards made. It just seemed easier to me than trying to tell someone what the address of this blog was...I was happy with how they turned out...the fellow who printed them did a good job.
Some bikin' buddies and I just made a trip to Central Oregon to scope out routes for a group ride I do every August. It is a week-long trip with rides of 30-50 miles each day, followed by wonderful times of food and fellowship with 20 or so of the finest people I know. Laura, Liz and I stayed with some dear friends in Sisters and got in a fair amount of riding...170 miles in 4 days with over 9,000' of elevation gain. If you talk to Laura or Liz, ask them about their ice biking experience. ;)
maybe you can't...because you won't...
I took my Litespeed in to my favorite mechanic, who is both thorough and meticulous. I had debated...could've probably recabled the bike myself, and changing out cassettes and chains has never been an issue. But there was this funny "flex" in the headset...I actually got off the bike the last time I rode it to see if there was a crack in the frame. Nope...it all looked good. Come to find out, the headset had sheared apart where the bearings are...it simply got tired and wore out. Anyway...I don't do headsets, or bottom brackets, or wheels. And I needed all of those things serviced. He went completely through the bike...new middle chainring, new bar tape, new wheel bearings in trued wheels, new pulleys on the rear dérailleur, and of course...a new headset...smooth.as.silk. It's a beautiful thing. I would tell you that my average has picked up a couple of miles per hour, but then you might start expecting speed out of me and we have already had that conversation.
I have started printing out the detailed maps that will be carried in a folder for whomever is driving the truck. There are usually 4-6 pages of route, and I have written the cue sheets for the day on the page itself. I have also penned the directions to our overnight stop on the back of the last page. It has been time consuming, and I hope our routes do not change too much from here on out, because if they do, then I will, of course, have to redo the cue sheet. These maps should make it easy for everyone who is riding. It will be their responsibility to copy the cue sheet directions for the sections that they want to ride, or make photocopies of the sheets. The map sheets are placed in a plastic sleeve and put into a 3-ring binder that will hold all 50 states...when we finish a particular state, the sheets will go into a folder called "Been There-Done That".
I also had some little business cards made. It just seemed easier to me than trying to tell someone what the address of this blog was...I was happy with how they turned out...the fellow who printed them did a good job.
Some bikin' buddies and I just made a trip to Central Oregon to scope out routes for a group ride I do every August. It is a week-long trip with rides of 30-50 miles each day, followed by wonderful times of food and fellowship with 20 or so of the finest people I know. Laura, Liz and I stayed with some dear friends in Sisters and got in a fair amount of riding...170 miles in 4 days with over 9,000' of elevation gain. If you talk to Laura or Liz, ask them about their ice biking experience. ;)
maybe you can't...because you won't...
Monday, April 2, 2012
A Second Helping of Nutrition
Here is the nutrition plan that Karen sent to me:
Breakfast:
(proteins, complex carbohydrates, and fats...consume at least 90 minutes before long workouts)
~2 eggs
~1/2 to 3/4 cup cooked raw oats or steel cut oats (no instant anything...the processing removes its fiber)
~1 cup low fat plain yogurt (may add berries, 1 tsp. maple syrup, or honey...Brown Cow or Stonyfield)
~low fat cottage cheese
~smoothie w/low fat yogurt
~peanut butter
~whole grain breads
~grapefruit juice
~cranberry juice
~low fat milk
~rice bran cereal
Snack: A Must!
~smoothie
~almonds
~protein bar (whey, not soy protein)
~protein drink
~berries
~yogurt
~cottage cheese
Lunch: protein, complex carbs, fats
~steak/chicken/fish/turkey
~1/2 to 3/4 cup brown rice (not instant)
~spinach salad with nuts
~avocado
~olive oil
~vinegar
~legumes
Snack: again, A Must!
See above
Dinner:
~whole grain rice
~steak/chicken/fish/turkey
~salad
~avocado
Pre-Workout Meal: 1 hour or more before workout
Protein, simple carbs...no fat (slows digestion)
~smoothie/protein shake
~protein bar
~fruit
Post-Workout Meal: Consume within 30 minutes for optimal repair and recovery
High protein, high simple carbs, no fat
~smoothie or protein drinks work best (I like Muscle Milk Light)
In liquid form, they deliver large amounts of protein and carbs with little delay
~protein bar (with some carbohydrates)
This component is not meant to be a replacement meal. It's sole purpose is for repair and recovery for the body.
Foods to avoid:
1. Deli meats (too much salt/nitrates, nitrites)
2. Sweetened fruit juices (orange, pineapple, etc.)
3. Refined sugars (candy, cookies, things like pop-tarts, doughnuts)
4. Processed foods
5. Fried foods. Special note*-Fried foods can cause hormonal imbalances that lead to, specifically in our case, a decrease in physical and mental performance, a decrease in red blood cell formation (which can reduce oxygen levels in the blood and interfere with blood flow to the muscles resulting into decreased performance).
I have been fastidious about protein right after a long, hard ride and I am reaping some benefit from that. It's not that I'm faster, but I feel stronger...have more energy when I ride, and recover easier.
My fast has come to an end, but I hope to maintain the good eating habits. Tomorrow I'll add some lean turkey breast and Greek yogurt, both good sources of protein. I am committed to staying away from sugar and processed foods. I lost about 9 pounds, and I hope it was fat and not muscle. I did a good job of combining beans and rice, legumes and grains, quinoa and nuts to get complete proteins, and had a good variety of vegetables and fruits. One of my favorite things were sweet potatoes peeled and cut into wedges, brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with salt and pepper, put in a 350 degree oven for 15 minutes or so, and then under the broiler for a minute or so. Simple...and good.
Another thing I have been watching is my intake of "nightshade" foods. Potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, and eggplant are nightshade plants and are believed to contribute to joint inflammation. I avoid them. Instead, I concentrate on foods which are supposed to reduce joint inflammation: tart cherries (yup...straight out of the can), blueberries, or really, any kind of berries, walnuts, pineapple, and well...there are others. I have noticed a difference...particularly in my thumb joints and knees. Just sayin'...
I know eating is a very personal thing...tastes and appetites differ, and what appeals to you might not appeal to me. Oysters come to mind...I just can't eat them. What matters is that your body is getting the fuel and nutrients it needs to work for you.
Today's ride was a little over 60 miles...2400 calories. I'm gonna need a bigger plate...
maybe you can't...because you won't...
Breakfast:
(proteins, complex carbohydrates, and fats...consume at least 90 minutes before long workouts)
~2 eggs
~1/2 to 3/4 cup cooked raw oats or steel cut oats (no instant anything...the processing removes its fiber)
~1 cup low fat plain yogurt (may add berries, 1 tsp. maple syrup, or honey...Brown Cow or Stonyfield)
~low fat cottage cheese
~smoothie w/low fat yogurt
~peanut butter
~whole grain breads
~grapefruit juice
~cranberry juice
~low fat milk
~rice bran cereal
Snack: A Must!
~smoothie
~almonds
~protein bar (whey, not soy protein)
~protein drink
~berries
~yogurt
~cottage cheese
Lunch: protein, complex carbs, fats
~steak/chicken/fish/turkey
~1/2 to 3/4 cup brown rice (not instant)
~spinach salad with nuts
~avocado
~olive oil
~vinegar
~legumes
Snack: again, A Must!
See above
Dinner:
~whole grain rice
~steak/chicken/fish/turkey
~salad
~avocado
Pre-Workout Meal: 1 hour or more before workout
Protein, simple carbs...no fat (slows digestion)
~smoothie/protein shake
~protein bar
~fruit
Post-Workout Meal: Consume within 30 minutes for optimal repair and recovery
High protein, high simple carbs, no fat
~smoothie or protein drinks work best (I like Muscle Milk Light)
In liquid form, they deliver large amounts of protein and carbs with little delay
~protein bar (with some carbohydrates)
This component is not meant to be a replacement meal. It's sole purpose is for repair and recovery for the body.
Foods to avoid:
1. Deli meats (too much salt/nitrates, nitrites)
2. Sweetened fruit juices (orange, pineapple, etc.)
3. Refined sugars (candy, cookies, things like pop-tarts, doughnuts)
4. Processed foods
5. Fried foods. Special note*-Fried foods can cause hormonal imbalances that lead to, specifically in our case, a decrease in physical and mental performance, a decrease in red blood cell formation (which can reduce oxygen levels in the blood and interfere with blood flow to the muscles resulting into decreased performance).
I have been fastidious about protein right after a long, hard ride and I am reaping some benefit from that. It's not that I'm faster, but I feel stronger...have more energy when I ride, and recover easier.
My fast has come to an end, but I hope to maintain the good eating habits. Tomorrow I'll add some lean turkey breast and Greek yogurt, both good sources of protein. I am committed to staying away from sugar and processed foods. I lost about 9 pounds, and I hope it was fat and not muscle. I did a good job of combining beans and rice, legumes and grains, quinoa and nuts to get complete proteins, and had a good variety of vegetables and fruits. One of my favorite things were sweet potatoes peeled and cut into wedges, brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with salt and pepper, put in a 350 degree oven for 15 minutes or so, and then under the broiler for a minute or so. Simple...and good.
Another thing I have been watching is my intake of "nightshade" foods. Potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, and eggplant are nightshade plants and are believed to contribute to joint inflammation. I avoid them. Instead, I concentrate on foods which are supposed to reduce joint inflammation: tart cherries (yup...straight out of the can), blueberries, or really, any kind of berries, walnuts, pineapple, and well...there are others. I have noticed a difference...particularly in my thumb joints and knees. Just sayin'...
I know eating is a very personal thing...tastes and appetites differ, and what appeals to you might not appeal to me. Oysters come to mind...I just can't eat them. What matters is that your body is getting the fuel and nutrients it needs to work for you.
Today's ride was a little over 60 miles...2400 calories. I'm gonna need a bigger plate...
maybe you can't...because you won't...
Monday, March 26, 2012
That Comprehensive Equipment List
Bike #1:
Rodriguez S&S coupled UTB (ultimate touring bike)
TA chain rings-24-38-48
SRAM 970 cassette-11-32
SRAM PC-99 chain
Velocity Aerohead wheels w/Phil Wood hubs
Continental Grand Prix 26x1.0 tires
STI shifters
Crank Brothers Quattro pedals
Bike #2:
Litespeed Blue Ridge
Ultegra chain rings-24-42-52
SRAM 970 cassette
SRAM PC-99 chain
Shimano WH-7701 wheels/hubs
Continental Ultra Gatorskins 700x25
STI shifters
Crank Brothers Candy pedals
Bike gear:
ThinkSport water bottles
Opticube headlight (this is a "see me" light)
Planet Bike Superflash rear blinkie light
Topeak Road Morph pump
CO2 dispenser and cartridges
Tire irons and patch kit
Rudy Ayron+ helmet
Rec specs prescription sunglasses
Garmin Edge 705 w/charger and USB cord
NiteRider BlowTorch (will likely send this home after Hawaii)
Bike tools:
Chain whip
Cassette removal tool
12" crescent wrench
Chain breaker
Set of T Allen wrenches
Pedal wrench
Set of metric open end wrenches
Floor pump
Lube/ grease
Kevlar spoke
Small container w/extra nuts, bolts, cleats
Folding spare 700 tire (the only bike with 26" wheels is the Rodriguez)
WD-40
Rags
Clothing/toiletries:
4 pair cycling shorts (I use a variety of brands so that I never get chafed in the same spot). I think it was Washington Irving, in Tales of a Traveller, who said, "There is a certain relief in change, even though it be from bad to worse; as I have found in traveling in a stagecoach, that it is often a comfort to shift one's position and be bruised in a new place."
1 pair knickers
1 pair thermal tights
2 pair cycling socks (one wool)
3 sleeveless jerseys
2 short-sleeve jerseys
1 long-sleeved jersey
2 pair fingerless cycling gloves
4 sports bras
1 pair off-bike Pearl Izumi stretch pants
1 cotton t-shirt
1 pair undies
Down pullover jacket
Baseball hat
Showers Pass rain jacket
Shimano cycling sandals
Lake cycling sandals
Swimsuit
Towel
Bar soap
Shampoo/conditioner
Deodorant
Razor
Sunscreen
Lotion
Vaseline (I have had good luck using this to avoid saddle sores)
Toothbrush/toothpaste/floss
Hairbrush
Earplugs
Camping/cooking gear:
Mountain Hardware Helion 2 tent w/footprint
North Face Chrysalis sleeping bag
Big Agnes air core 3/4 sleeping pad
Cocoon silk sleeping liner
2 burner propane stove w/extra canisters
Large flashlight
Table service for 4
Tablecloth
2qt. Saucepan
10" frying pan
2 big spoons
2 knives for cutting
Can opener
Vegetable peeler
Cutting board
Large bowl
Blender (yeah, I know...it seems over the top...but we are all liking the protein drinks after a ride, and this will allow us to make our own)
2 Tupperware square containers
Dishpan
Towels/dishrag/scotch-brite pad
Food:
Apples, oranges, bananas and grapes+
Salad mix
Carrots, broccoli, celery, peppers+
Avocados
Whole grain bread
Bagels
Hummus
Crackers
Nuts
Dried fruit
Jerky
Cereal...hot and cold
Eggs
Cheese
Yogurt
Milk
Almond milk
Peanut butter
Almond butter
Coffee/tea
Brown rice boil-in-a-bag
Deli turkey breast
Olive oil
Small pkgs. of condiments
Gatorade powder
Hammer gels
Hammer Recoverite
Power/Clif bars
Hard candy
2 gallons water
Miscellaneous:
Hard copy maps in plastic sleeves
First Aid Kit
Nokia N 96 cell phone w/charger
IPad w/charger
Power inverter
APC Power reservoir
Heavy duty extension cord
Toolbox w/general tools for truck
Phew...that seems like a lot, and I am sure that I will add a few more things before we take off. The key is to take what we need, and need what we take.
maybe you can't...because you won't...
Rodriguez S&S coupled UTB (ultimate touring bike)
TA chain rings-24-38-48
SRAM 970 cassette-11-32
SRAM PC-99 chain
Velocity Aerohead wheels w/Phil Wood hubs
Continental Grand Prix 26x1.0 tires
STI shifters
Crank Brothers Quattro pedals
Bike #2:
Litespeed Blue Ridge
Ultegra chain rings-24-42-52
SRAM 970 cassette
SRAM PC-99 chain
Shimano WH-7701 wheels/hubs
Continental Ultra Gatorskins 700x25
STI shifters
Crank Brothers Candy pedals
Bike gear:
ThinkSport water bottles
Opticube headlight (this is a "see me" light)
Planet Bike Superflash rear blinkie light
Topeak Road Morph pump
CO2 dispenser and cartridges
Tire irons and patch kit
Rudy Ayron+ helmet
Rec specs prescription sunglasses
Garmin Edge 705 w/charger and USB cord
NiteRider BlowTorch (will likely send this home after Hawaii)
Bike tools:
Chain whip
Cassette removal tool
12" crescent wrench
Chain breaker
Set of T Allen wrenches
Pedal wrench
Set of metric open end wrenches
Floor pump
Lube/ grease
Kevlar spoke
Small container w/extra nuts, bolts, cleats
Folding spare 700 tire (the only bike with 26" wheels is the Rodriguez)
WD-40
Rags
Clothing/toiletries:
4 pair cycling shorts (I use a variety of brands so that I never get chafed in the same spot). I think it was Washington Irving, in Tales of a Traveller, who said, "There is a certain relief in change, even though it be from bad to worse; as I have found in traveling in a stagecoach, that it is often a comfort to shift one's position and be bruised in a new place."
1 pair knickers
1 pair thermal tights
2 pair cycling socks (one wool)
3 sleeveless jerseys
2 short-sleeve jerseys
1 long-sleeved jersey
2 pair fingerless cycling gloves
4 sports bras
1 pair off-bike Pearl Izumi stretch pants
1 cotton t-shirt
1 pair undies
Down pullover jacket
Baseball hat
Showers Pass rain jacket
Shimano cycling sandals
Lake cycling sandals
Swimsuit
Towel
Bar soap
Shampoo/conditioner
Deodorant
Razor
Sunscreen
Lotion
Vaseline (I have had good luck using this to avoid saddle sores)
Toothbrush/toothpaste/floss
Hairbrush
Earplugs
Camping/cooking gear:
Mountain Hardware Helion 2 tent w/footprint
North Face Chrysalis sleeping bag
Big Agnes air core 3/4 sleeping pad
Cocoon silk sleeping liner
2 burner propane stove w/extra canisters
Large flashlight
Table service for 4
Tablecloth
2qt. Saucepan
10" frying pan
2 big spoons
2 knives for cutting
Can opener
Vegetable peeler
Cutting board
Large bowl
Blender (yeah, I know...it seems over the top...but we are all liking the protein drinks after a ride, and this will allow us to make our own)
2 Tupperware square containers
Dishpan
Towels/dishrag/scotch-brite pad
Food:
Apples, oranges, bananas and grapes+
Salad mix
Carrots, broccoli, celery, peppers+
Avocados
Whole grain bread
Bagels
Hummus
Crackers
Nuts
Dried fruit
Jerky
Cereal...hot and cold
Eggs
Cheese
Yogurt
Milk
Almond milk
Peanut butter
Almond butter
Coffee/tea
Brown rice boil-in-a-bag
Deli turkey breast
Olive oil
Small pkgs. of condiments
Gatorade powder
Hammer gels
Hammer Recoverite
Power/Clif bars
Hard candy
2 gallons water
Miscellaneous:
Hard copy maps in plastic sleeves
First Aid Kit
Nokia N 96 cell phone w/charger
IPad w/charger
Power inverter
APC Power reservoir
Heavy duty extension cord
Toolbox w/general tools for truck
Phew...that seems like a lot, and I am sure that I will add a few more things before we take off. The key is to take what we need, and need what we take.
maybe you can't...because you won't...
Monday, March 19, 2012
The Pricetag
Someone asked me the other day what this ride is going to cost. Well...I'm not sure. The price of gasoline jumped 50 cents a gallon in California last week...not good news if you are planning on 12,000 miles at 19 miles per gallon. But...if we can average $4 per gallon, that would be about $2500 for a little more than 625 gallons.
The airline tickets to Hawaii and Alaska were about $1300 and I will have some transportation expenses in both of those places getting back to the airport.
I have budgeted around $40 per day for food and my biking buddies are all good cooks, so we plan on making use of the grocery stores and farmer's markets we pass. That is...so long as cooking fits into our time schedule. We don't want to eat fast food, but we don't have time to slow roast a pork tenderloin either. We are limiting ourselves in regards to the cooking equipment, so gourmet dinners will not be on the menu, but healthy, tasty food that replenishes working bodies will be standard fare. Lots of fruits and vegetables, lean meat, nuts, whole grains, and when I can sneak one in, a gooey cinnamon roll. :) We need easy, so things like yogurts and gorp will always be handy.
Our lodging costs have been drastically offset by the generous warm showers hosts, but there will still be a lot of camping and I have budgeted $25 per night. Some nights it will be more than that, some nights less, so it should all even out for those 20 some odd nights.
There are miscellaneous costs I have budgeted for, like tolls, ferries, and parking. I also factored in some maintenance for the truck ( a couple of oil changes, mostly) and bikes.
I am thinking...and hoping...that when everything is said and done, the trip will cost around 8 grand. Does that sound like a lot? For the ultimate road trip? I think it's a bargain.
You might be interested to know that most of the funds have come from what I call "dejunking". I have intended to get rid of things Bill and I no longer wanted or needed for years. Every winter I would say, "I'm going to clean out the attic, and the closets, and the basement...downsize". But it never happened...until last year. I also substitute teach in the school district in which I live. I taught over 30 years ago, and then stayed home to be with our four children. When my daughter suggested I start teaching again, I wasn't sure that it was a good idea. I think I winced when I accepted my first sub job in November. But it's a good fit for me, and I actually find the kids quite endearing. All that to say I have a financial stake in this trip...I have worked hard to make it happen.
maybe you can't...because you won't...
The airline tickets to Hawaii and Alaska were about $1300 and I will have some transportation expenses in both of those places getting back to the airport.
I have budgeted around $40 per day for food and my biking buddies are all good cooks, so we plan on making use of the grocery stores and farmer's markets we pass. That is...so long as cooking fits into our time schedule. We don't want to eat fast food, but we don't have time to slow roast a pork tenderloin either. We are limiting ourselves in regards to the cooking equipment, so gourmet dinners will not be on the menu, but healthy, tasty food that replenishes working bodies will be standard fare. Lots of fruits and vegetables, lean meat, nuts, whole grains, and when I can sneak one in, a gooey cinnamon roll. :) We need easy, so things like yogurts and gorp will always be handy.
Our lodging costs have been drastically offset by the generous warm showers hosts, but there will still be a lot of camping and I have budgeted $25 per night. Some nights it will be more than that, some nights less, so it should all even out for those 20 some odd nights.
There are miscellaneous costs I have budgeted for, like tolls, ferries, and parking. I also factored in some maintenance for the truck ( a couple of oil changes, mostly) and bikes.
I am thinking...and hoping...that when everything is said and done, the trip will cost around 8 grand. Does that sound like a lot? For the ultimate road trip? I think it's a bargain.
You might be interested to know that most of the funds have come from what I call "dejunking". I have intended to get rid of things Bill and I no longer wanted or needed for years. Every winter I would say, "I'm going to clean out the attic, and the closets, and the basement...downsize". But it never happened...until last year. I also substitute teach in the school district in which I live. I taught over 30 years ago, and then stayed home to be with our four children. When my daughter suggested I start teaching again, I wasn't sure that it was a good idea. I think I winced when I accepted my first sub job in November. But it's a good fit for me, and I actually find the kids quite endearing. All that to say I have a financial stake in this trip...I have worked hard to make it happen.
maybe you can't...because you won't...
Monday, March 12, 2012
Equipped
I like to be prepared. I like to know ahead of time if I'm going to need extra clothing or extra water or a light. Today I rode 51 miles, half of it in a steady, 40 degree rain. No worries...I was smiling...but the final 10 miles were in the dark because I needed to see just how long the battery on my NiteRider Torch would last. So...I rode the 10, parked the bike in the garage with the light on, and kept checking on it every quarter hour or so. At 3.5 hours, the light was dimming. At 4 hours, it was nearly spent. Not bad. I think it will do for my night ride in Hawaii.
I have done the same thing with most of my other equipment...which shoes should I take...which jacket? How about the gearing on the bike? The tires? One of my best equipment finds in the past couple of years has been a ThinkSport water bottle. It is stainless steel, and while it won't fit in a conventional water bottle holder, it will fit in an Arundel holder. The Arundel holder is made in Texas and seems pretty indestructible. Why the hoopla about a water bottle? Well...I can put ice and water in a ThinkSport bottle at 9 am tomorrow morning, and even if the temps were to reach 90...(hey, I can dream, can't I)...there would still be ice in the bottle at 9 pm tomorrow night. That...is important to me.
I will be taking two bikes on this trip. One is a custom built Rodriguez touring bike that has S&S couplers, and the other is a Litespeed Titanium Blue Ridge. The Rodriguez fits me better, but I love the Litespeed too, as it is a little lighter and has a big 52 tooth chainring that is very fun with a tailwind. Both of my saddles are made by Brooks...a B-66, and a B-67. They are heavy, but I justify their weight by not packing dog repellant, cute little mascots, and a kickstand. ;)
I have seen people tour on department store bikes, and have heard high-end cyclists discuss touring tires that likely cost more per tire than the said department store bike. I guess what I'm saying is that there is no right way to do this ride...or any other ride...many things WILL work...what works for you? Because I am a bit of a list maker...I do have a comprehensive list of my equipment. If anyone wants to take a look at that, all they have to do is let me know...
maybe you can't...because you won't...
I will be taking two bikes on this trip. One is a custom built Rodriguez touring bike that has S&S couplers, and the other is a Litespeed Titanium Blue Ridge. The Rodriguez fits me better, but I love the Litespeed too, as it is a little lighter and has a big 52 tooth chainring that is very fun with a tailwind. Both of my saddles are made by Brooks...a B-66, and a B-67. They are heavy, but I justify their weight by not packing dog repellant, cute little mascots, and a kickstand. ;)
I have seen people tour on department store bikes, and have heard high-end cyclists discuss touring tires that likely cost more per tire than the said department store bike. I guess what I'm saying is that there is no right way to do this ride...or any other ride...many things WILL work...what works for you? Because I am a bit of a list maker...I do have a comprehensive list of my equipment. If anyone wants to take a look at that, all they have to do is let me know...
maybe you can't...because you won't...
Monday, March 5, 2012
Nutrition: If Only Spinach Tasted Like Chocolate
I have been trying to convince myself for years that because I ride so many miles, I can eat whatever I want. It's simply not true. If a body doesn't get the fuel it needs to perform the work that it is asked to do, it will 1) break down muscle tissue in order to get the fuel, or 2) refuse to perform the work. When Karen sent me a suggested list of foods that would properly fuel someone doing endurance activities, along with when those foods ought to be eaten, I realized just how far off the mark I had gotten. Then Patty told me of a mutual friend turned racer...he had lost 15 pounds, and while that seemed wonderful...he found out through some body testing that 12 of those pounds were muscle. Yikes.
I have become serious about my food intake. I like to fast for Lent...it's a personal thing, and though it changes a bit from year to year, I usually do something along the lines of a Daniel Fast. I basically become a vegan who eats no sugar. If it's true that you are what you eat, then I've become Mr. McGregor's garden. Which...poses a problem. I need protein...about 60 grams a day, and it's hard for me to get that kind of protein from fruits and vegetables, grains, legumes and nuts. I supplement my diet with some protein drinks called muscle milks. I had heard about a swimming coach whose swimmers were dragging by noon following a morning practice. He had them down chocolate milk after their morning practice and noticed a change in their energy level almost immediately. Afternoon practices were just as rigorous as the morning practices, but now the swimmers were performing at higher levels. Chocolate milk seems to have a good ratio of protein to carbs.
I won't bore you with a list of what I eat, but I will tell you that gone are the days when I would come home from a long ride and have a cup of coffee with plenty of cream and sugar along with a scone or a handful of cookies. And I can feel the difference. I have more energy and I am starting to feel stronger. Today I was clipping along at 15 mph on the flats. My Garmin said that I burned a little over 2000 calories in the 50+ miles that I rode...double that, and you have a good idea of what it is going to take to fuel me each day of this trip. Now, could you please pass me the quinoa tabouleh?
maybe you can't...because you won't...
I have become serious about my food intake. I like to fast for Lent...it's a personal thing, and though it changes a bit from year to year, I usually do something along the lines of a Daniel Fast. I basically become a vegan who eats no sugar. If it's true that you are what you eat, then I've become Mr. McGregor's garden. Which...poses a problem. I need protein...about 60 grams a day, and it's hard for me to get that kind of protein from fruits and vegetables, grains, legumes and nuts. I supplement my diet with some protein drinks called muscle milks. I had heard about a swimming coach whose swimmers were dragging by noon following a morning practice. He had them down chocolate milk after their morning practice and noticed a change in their energy level almost immediately. Afternoon practices were just as rigorous as the morning practices, but now the swimmers were performing at higher levels. Chocolate milk seems to have a good ratio of protein to carbs.
I won't bore you with a list of what I eat, but I will tell you that gone are the days when I would come home from a long ride and have a cup of coffee with plenty of cream and sugar along with a scone or a handful of cookies. And I can feel the difference. I have more energy and I am starting to feel stronger. Today I was clipping along at 15 mph on the flats. My Garmin said that I burned a little over 2000 calories in the 50+ miles that I rode...double that, and you have a good idea of what it is going to take to fuel me each day of this trip. Now, could you please pass me the quinoa tabouleh?
maybe you can't...because you won't...
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