How To Begin A Very Long Bike Ride.....

 

 

GOTTA START SOMEWHERE

 

When I mention my upcoming long distance bike ride (San Francisco to Durango, CO), folks ask, "How do you get ready for that?"

The following is the very simple answer:

I don't.

I mean I do pack my bike and make sure it's in good working order. For example, I just had the front disc caliper replaced along with the rotor. I installed all new cables and housing, replaced the bar tape and when I arrive back on the mainland, Ill try and find a decent set of touring tires.

Folks ask if I train. Not really. I have done a few long rides and for some I trained for others I did not. It doesn't seem to matter. The first week is a suffer fest either way. It's like the first few days of a backpacking trip. The pack is heavy, it takes a few days to get the systems dialed and things get lost. This is all part of the fun. 

I've also tried planning my route down to the mile and I've pretty much given up on that too. I know where I am beginning my ride and I know where I hope to end up. Hope being the operative because you know what they say, "If you want to make God laugh, make a plan". I'm not sure to whom they are referring when using "they". But, you get the idea.

The most important thing is the mental prep. As my departure date gets closer, I ask myself, "Really"? To which I answer myself (thankfully in my own voice), "Yes, really"!

Furthermore, to make things more interesting I have come up with a litany of reasons not to do this ride. But for the life of me I cannot come up with one good reason to do this ride. All the more reason.

So, ok. There you go. I'm off to practice putting donuts in my mouth because it works the muscles in my hands and that is a very important training exercise.  I have to hold onto the handle bars for many a long hour on the bike.

Thanks for reading and stay tuned.
(Thanks to Adventure Cycling for the unsolicited use of their map)