Touring - Film producer to ride over 700 miles through mountains. I need advice!

I am a film producer riding 700 miles this month for a film with 100 lbs of gear.

Hey everyone,

I am a filmmaker working on a documentary that is going to involve riding 700 miles through the mountains without a support vehicle, and pulling a 100 lb trailer with all of my camera gear and survival gear. I need some help! What should I plan for? How should I train? I need to talk to some people that have done something like this. Here is a link to my blog so you can read a little more about it and see exactly what I'm doing.
Show your support and offer me any advice and follow my blog!!
http://burningtorchproductions.wordpress.com/

Do we get listed in film credits ?

Err, ok.....

Why are you doing this?

Why do you think you need 100 pounds of gear? Are you taking a bunch of Arri lights or something?

Do you have any experience with bike touring? If not, then why are you making a documentary about it, especially for something that (to us at least) is actually rather routine?

Good luck.
One question: How are you going to get good long distance panoramic shots of you riding in the mountains?
Or should i read the blog first?.......another question.

I'm confused why professional gear is still so heavy. Why not use a Canon EOS 5D or XM2 at about 1-2kg weight.
For power-hungry cameras you will need a solar charger and a front dynamo hub. The best is German-made SON (http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/schmidt.asp). Shimano ones are almost as good. Most round-the-world speed riders use dynamo hubs.

If you cut down you equipment load to sensible amounts, you really don't need special training, you will get fit on the tour. You need some saddle-time to condition your butt and to make sure the bike fits well.

I suggest that you fill your bag with some equivalent weight of sandbags and take a weekend shakedown tour so you can rely on your bike and camping kit. Unless you want to film that famous scene: "A storm is approaching fast, it's getting dark, Ive never put my tent up before, things are getting tense, look, really tense, will I survive the night...come back after the add break to find out"

Typing 100 pounds on a keyboard and pushing it (either by pedal or foot) up a hill are two very different things.

If you can't cut down the weight (get a partner to share the load? Get a friend to drive the gear? Hire a Grip?), then you will have to make concessions to it.

Ray

Load crap on bike and trailer,point in direction of travel,turn crank.Prepare to suffer for a few days.Don't overdo it the first few days.Have fun!

That's alot of weight....Take your time the first few days,if your not used to this,you have a surprise coming.

Good luck and enjoy it, I think you will be fine, except the 100 lbs sounds a bit more then I'd go with, but that is ok also. :)

Don't set out on your 700 mile trip till you have done a weekend say 75-100 miles.

Don't set out on your 700 mile trip till you have done a weekend say 75-100 miles.

+1 - and I'll add also do a long trip in Rain/Wind/junk to make sure your gear (and you) can stand up to that also. I guess as far as video shots, you can do a survivorman trick and do stuff twice (once to set up the camera, then go back and do it again).

I am doing this because it is a pretty sizable journey given the circumstances. I will be traveling through one of the most remote deserts in the US where temps are going to live around 105. The gear includes 2 cameras, sound equipment, mics, cables, one light, tripod, camera mounts to my bike and trailer, wireless kit, 3 lenses, sleeping bag, tent, food, WATER, water filter, batteries, batteries, batteries, solar array, pelican cases, food, tools, and a few other odds and ins. Most people don't realize that amount of gear it takes to make a professional film. You need much more than just a DLSR. This is why I will have so much weight. You may think it is rather routine but you are part of a niche group. I am not a part of this group. I am a film producer and for someone like me to leave my phone and email for 3 weeks, it is absolutely unheard of. I respond to about 100 emails a day on anywhere from 1 to 5 different films being made at the same time. It isn't the journey that is meaningful, it's the perspective in which you have going into the journey.



Err, ok.....

Why are you doing this?

Why do you think you need 100 pounds of gear? Are you taking a bunch of Arri lights or something?

Do you have any experience with bike touring? If not, then why are you making a documentary about it, especially for something that (to us at least) is actually rather routine?

Are you entirely certain you can survive such a trip?

Pulling a 100 pound trailer through 700 miles of 105 degree heat seems extreme to me.

Just curious, do you have a back up plan if you get in trouble?

I see no reason why you have to haul the movie gear. Carry your own gear and have someone else carry the movie gear.

What is the point of doing this on your own?

Ray

Well that's only about 35 miles a day with a couple rest days.That's doable,even for a beginner.If your not used to this,the first few days are going to be tough.

Take your time at first,drink before your thirsty,eat before your hungry,get LOTS of fluids so you don't cramp up,eat some salty things and some bananas if you can.Wear a hat and sunscreen,light colored clothing,the sun will suck the energy right out of you.Your going to be really hungry,so plan on eating alot more than your used to.

Have fun,be careful,bad things can happen in that much heat if your not prepared for it.

Two words: Bad idea.

No touring experience, carrying about twice to three times the weight most would carry, through mountains and heat. Is this a joke?

If not, then you are setting yourself up for trouble. What kind of shape are you in? If you are answering 100 e-mails a day, it doesn't sound like you've got much time for physical activities. Even if you are in decent shape, attempting that could result in blown knees, or much worse. You're asking how to train, yet you say the ride is this month. There is no time left to train for a trip like that. My advice - do the trip on a motorcycle. Or do the trip as planned, but do it next year after you've trained, and trained, and trained.... Or, go ahead and just do it. Maybe you'll prove me wrong.

Water, food, energy to run solo for 21 days in excruciating heat with no prior experience? Load up your bike with 100 pounds and trial it around for a week doing 35 miles a day and see how it feels, now shave off some speed to deal with heat, exhaustion, and unaccounted for issues ( like doubling back for the shot ). What is your plans in an emergency? If you get a hole in your water supply you could be dry in a matter of hours somewhere you didn't expect.

Get a touring partner who has done this before and maybe they can keep you alive (or talk you out of it).

Get a touring partner who has done this before and maybe they can keep you alive (or talk you out of it).

Probably the best advice yet. Splitting the load two or better yet three ways would help a lot. Maybe consider hiring someone if you have to.

That said it is definitely possible to do this by yourself, but it will be hard and possibly dangerous. Take all reasonable precautions; stay hydrated, stay fueled, and so on...

Really, you come here and seek advice when the trip is planned for July 24th?

Calculate the largest time you will be out of water contact and then realize that each hour of riding is probably 1.5-2 pounds of water at that temperature. 35 miles/day would easily be 4 hours in the saddle with that kind of load or 8 pounds of water per day you are out of contact, probably more to be on the safe side. 2 days water supply will cost you at least 20 pounds.

How do you intend on repairing the bike when you get a flat, a sidewall puncture, chain, or shifter? What if you have a mechanical problem with the burley trailer?

You may think it is rather routine but you are part of a niche group. I am not a part of this group. I am a film producer and for someone like me to leave my phone and email for 3 weeks, it is absolutely unheard of. I respond to about 100 emails a day on anywhere from 1 to 5 different films being made at the same time. It isn't the journey that is meaningful, it's the perspective in which you have going into the journey.

Translation:

I am taking my bike and camera gear into the desert without the necessary training and preparation to put myself in compromising positions and capture it all on film. After all, a good film needs to have conflict, hardships, someone dying or on the verge of it, and a love story. By not preparing I am actually making my film better, but I don't expect you to realize this.





Personally I can't wait to see how he manages to weave in the love story.

So plan for and train are the questions, sorta sounds too late for either, but never fear.

- Load crap on bike and trailer,point in direction of travel,turn crank.Prepare to suffer for a few days.Don't overdo it the first few days.Have fun!

That is pretty much it if you are in reasonable health, and have a body with some cycling ability, possibly left over from decades ago. But he key points are to have a bike that will allow you to maintain a constant effort level, and to not overdo it the first few days. Read lots of gears that you know how to use, and no psycho schedule. Even then there is an equasion around hill size, heat, load, and gearing that would kill anyone.

With what you are saying, I would suggest that you put a huge effort into getting the brakes on your bike right. They need to be powerful, have at least 3 sets, and I would personally move heaven and earth to get a brake for the trailer. Either manual, or auto. WIth 100 pounds behind a newbie you have a real risk of the trailer taking over for you, and anyway, it is light person weight, and needs it`s own brake.

Too bad you can`t get this guy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9x1Jkl_680

Totally do-able ride. Even with 100lbs of gear. The only challenge will be the mountain assents. Speed is not your objective so make sure your gear ratios are designed for climbing and the bike,tires and gears are proven brands for long distance touring. I rode a fully loaded mountain bike 4000 kl through South America having not touched a bicycle in 20 years, so you won't have any insurmountable problems. You and your load is 250 lbs not counting the bike itself; there is nothing impossible about your trip.
Have fun and I wish I were there to join you.
cheers!

I live in the desert southwest (Arizona) and have ridden in temps of 100+ for over 33 summers.
Highest temp: 117; humidity 2 %. Brutal! . . . and that was commuting to/from work and NOT hauling 100 lbs of stuff.
You are being (take your pick): unrealistic/inexperienced riding and touring/foolhardy or just plain stupid.
Cut down the load to 30 lbs and it would be do-able.

Just read on your blog where your bike has rear (and front) shocks. Those shocks will suck the energy right out of you on a road, especially when climbing a hill. If you can do it, ditch the rear shock at least.

I think you'll be fine (you can mountain climb) as mental attitude is 90 percent of touring and 10 percent of touring is equipment. The worse thing is you give up the tour but it would still be very interesting to see the film regardless.

My girlfriend just decided to ride three days of the journey right before I go into the most dangerous part of the ride, The Red Desert.



Translation:

I am taking my bike and camera gear into the desert without the necessary training and preparation to put myself in compromising positions and capture it all on film. After all, a good film needs to have conflict, hardships, someone dying or on the verge of it, and a love story. By not preparing I am actually making my film better, but I don't expect you to realize this.

Personally I can't wait to see how he manages to weave in the love story.

I plan to carry at least one gallon of water for each day. This is why my trailer will be so heavy. I have been working on bikes for my whole life. I have plenty at spare parts and some tricks up my sleeve to improvise. The longest I will go without a town or anything is 3.5 days

I guess it all makes for a good story then! :) If you doubt me, keep following my blog to see if I make it. Here's a link that gives you a little more info about who I am and the film. http://burningtorchproductions.wordpress.com/ The reason I can't get my load down to 30 lbs is because I have more than that in camera gear. The idea of doing without a support vehicle is making the journey seem more dramatic. The distance isn't that impressive but the fact that I will be pulling this load through the mountains and desert makes it a lot more impressive. Can I do it? I don't know. Am I going to try? Yes. I leave in four days.


I live in the desert southwest (Arizona) and have ridden in temps of 100+ for over 33 summers.
Highest temp: 117; humidity 2 %. Brutal! . . . and that was commuting to/from work and NOT hauling 100 lbs of stuff.
You are being (take your pick): unrealistic/inexperienced riding and touring/foolhardy or just plain stupid.
Cut down the load to 30 lbs and it would be do-able.

My girlfriend just decided to ride three days of the journey right before I go into the most dangerous part of the ride, The Red Desert.

Aha! The plot thickens!

Is someone writing your blog for you? Will you be sending reports to whoever writes it?

Your advise is very helpful but unfortunately,being a film producer, my schedule is completely full. I will be in Australia working on a different film at this time next year. This is the only window available for this film. I have been using an indoor trainer while I answer emails. I would like to hear more about your "blown knees or even worse" comment. How can I avoid blowing out my knees? Braces? When would be the largest risk? Climbing or descending?

Thanks! I really appreciate your advice! I am going on the journey regardless so keep following to blog to see if I'll make it!

Mark


Two words: Bad idea.

No touring experience, carrying about twice to three times the weight most would carry, through mountains and heat. Is this a joke?

If not, then you are setting yourself up for trouble. What kind of shape are you in? If you are answering 100 e-mails a day, it doesn't sound like you've got much time for physical activities. Even if you are in decent shape, attempting that could result in blown knees, or much worse. You're asking how to train, yet you say the ride is this month. There is no time left to train for a trip like that. My advice - do the trip on a motorcycle. Or do the trip as planned, but do it next year after you've trained, and trained, and trained.... Or, go ahead and just do it. Maybe you'll prove me wrong.

You preserve knees by having good ones to start; position, position, position; having a good output mix where cadence and load are reasonable. If you start to get hot spots, deal with it one way or another, don't just forge on. good exercise is to find a bench when you get off the bike, and hook you heel under it and try to lift the bench.

I plan to carry at least one gallon of water for each day.

One gallon of water a day WILL NOT be enough. I'll say it again: one gallon is NOT enough. I have done a fair bit of touring in high temperatures, and I will typically go through at least two and sometimes three gallons of liquids per day. And that is just what I drink while on the bike. It does not include what I drink when off the bike or what I use for cooking and cleaning. The army's recommendation for desert climates is 19 liters of water per person per day. You probably won't need that much, but you should also think about what you will do if something happens that costs you an extra day.

The advice that everyone is giving you is good: take a trial run first, with realistic distance, load, and weather conditions. Weigh yourself on an empty stomach the morning before you leave. See how much water you go through. Then see what color your pee is at the end of the day. If its orange, you didn't drink enough. Weigh yourself again the next morning. Any difference between this and your weight the previous morning is probably due to water loss. Try again until you can manage a full day of this without ANY symptoms of dehydration.

Please don't die.

P.S. Should you need SAR, most states will bill YOU the cost of coming to rescue you if your behavior is deemed "reckless". I don't know the legal definition of "reckless", but you're probably flirting with it.

I'm not really buying this. Film producers know how to do research and get good answers from the right people. You seem inspired, not prepared. Don't romance yourself into a dangerous situation because you think it'll add to your reel.

I'm not really buying this. Film producers know how to do research and get good answers from the right people. You seem inspired, not prepared. Don't romance yourself into a dangerous situation because you think it'll add to your reel.
+1

Professionals don't tear off into the desert with no training, no planning and no support.

I think I need to clarify a few things. I am getting a lot of discouraging comments rather than encouragement. I lived in a desert for 21 years and have been a serious cyclist for 7 years. I have been featured in 3 mountain bike films for my riding. This is what lead me to film production. I haven't been training for this ride specifically for more than two months but I HAVE been riding competitively for 7 years and even professionally for a portion of that. I have been getting some great advice on this form but some of the comments are completely negative without any constructive criticism. If you are questioning my professionalism, read my blog and log on to my website do some reading before you make any judgements. Yes, what I'm doing is going to be extremely difficult, but if it was easy, everyone of you would be doing the same thing and it would no longer be an interesting journey. It would be routine. I have been lost in the jungles of Central America, robbed, stranded in the Red Desert before cell phones existed, broken down on the west coast of the South Island of New Zealand, shattered my collar bone and hiked out and then drove home 3 hours, sliced my chest open after colliding with a barbed wire fence, hitch hiked across foreign countries, lived in a car, lived in a closet, and about 200 more words of everything else you can imagine. Harsh conditions and disaster is no stranger to me. I realize the risks of what I am doing and I am working to minimize them. To call me unexperienced is foolish. Maybe I haven't ridden across the United States on the shoulder of the interstate but I certainly haven't been sitting with my feet up, eating potato chips either. I have been training with 130 lbs in my trailer and it hasn't felt that bad. The trailer is only rate to 100lbs so I have been taking it pretty easy. My actual route is going to be about 28 miles a day with some 15 milers and a few 40 milers. I will be reducing my load to about 65-75 lbs. With this new information, what does everyone think? I apologize for not giving my full background. There is a small bio on the blog as well. http://burningtorchproductions.wordpress.com/ Thanks everyone!




+1

Professionals don't tear off into the desert with no training, no planning and no support.

With this new information, what does everyone think?

I for one, am very interested in seeing how it goes and wish you best of luck.

Paul

but I HAVE been riding competitively for 7 years and even professionally for a portion of that.!

Yeah, right. Let's put this in perspective.

Your're a kid with a bunch of cameras and a wordpress blog that calls himself a film producer, is going on a bike ride and filming it.

I would like to hear more about your "blown knees or even worse" comment. How can I avoid blowing out my knees? Braces? When would be the largest risk? Climbing or descending?


Look up Patellar Tendonitis. The risk is while climbing. This is one of many things that can go wrong with the knees when you take on too much too soon. Experience speaking. My first tour was 225 miles long carrying 40 pounds of gear over mountains on mostly paved roads. The resulting knee troubles made me cut the tour short (impossible to ride when that gets bad enough) and resulted in another 6 months off the bike trying to recover. The best way to avoid this is to train for the tour over a long period of time. Obviously you aren't doing this. So if it were me, well if it were me I wouldn't be doing what you're doing. But otherwise, I would stretch my quads and hip flexors several times per day, especially before and after riding, as well as take Ibuprofen at any sign of trouble (sharp pain across the top of the kneecap). But I'm not a medical professional and I am not telling you what to do - I am telling you what I would do. So you might want to ask a doctor what the best course of action would be.

The reference to "much worse" was dying out there in the middle of nowhere when you're out of cell range and you can't ride any further for whatever reason - knees, mechanical issues, snake bite - whatever. When you're out of water you have about 3 days to find some - and probably even less in heat. Consider at least carrying something like a Spot device (satellite SOS transmitter).

Just to clarify - people tour all the time through remote areas without cell service, but they typically are seasoned bike tourists who know what they're getting into and are prepared. I would not give them the same kind of warning. You, on the other hand, insist on carrying a ridiculous amount of weight through a hot, mountainous and unpopulated area, so that's why you're getting the warning.

Best of luck.

I think the danger is overstated, surely any adult can play it by ear, and anticipate the door slaming shut. Just make sure you know your situation, and have a fallback. I don't think the coments are entirely negative, you just asked for tips or red flags so some of this stuff comes up. If you had started a thread with the same basic info and asked for other people's stories and pictures the thread might have come off differently. You are hauling arond 100 pounds of cameras, we have people with several kids going off on equaly risky ventures and nobody bats an eye for the most part.

Yes, what I'm doing is going to be extremely difficult, but if it was easy, everyone of you would be doing the same thing and it would no longer be an interesting journey. It would be routine.

Bicycle touring is about self reflection and growth. It's about expanding one's horizons and seeing the world at the human scale. It's about freedom and escape. It's not about doing something masochistic and making a film of it so you can brag to everyone about how hardcore you are. Bicycle tourists seek the experience of the journey, and when the journey takes us through danger, we plan meticulously to minimize the risk. We don't brag about the trouble we've been in, like you do in your post above, because those are all failures, not achievements.

You're missing the point of the whole business and your lack of planning flaunts against the seriousness with which we take this pursuit. You're getting a lot of negative responses because we feel insulted.

Some people here have spent months and years riding across continents. Touring cyclists have ridden the cross Taklamakan, the trans Amazonian, the silk road, The Dempster Highway, the Trans Siberian, the trans Tibetan, from Egypt to South Africa. Many of these routes present not only natural, but also human challenges. Most of the seasoned tourists here wouldn't bat an eyelash about riding the route you propose. Properly prepared for it presents minimal risks.

I'm probably not the only person here who finds the whole business a bit absurd. Less than a thousand miles in the good old USA, and you're going to make a film about it and market it as the final frontier.

Here is a thought experiment. Now that you've been told that your adventure isn't so superhuman, has your enthusiasm for it greatly diminished? If it has, you're missing the point of the journey.

I don't want to discourage you too much. Go ahead and do the ride, but think hard about what story the film will tell.

I wish you good luck and a safe journey.

You're missing the point of the whole business and your lack of planning flaunts against the seriousness with which we take this pursuit. You're getting a lot of negative responses because you come off as being pompous.

FIFY


what story the film will tell.

His blog states that the story is supposed to be about alternative energy sources.

I think 7 years of working my up from 0 to having a full crew that I employ and 5 projects going simultaneously constitutes as more than a "kid with a bunch of cameras"... and you are?? a has been? a stuck to online blogs, bringing people down and trying to deconstruct their confidence because you're jealous guy? Honestly, everyone on here that thinks I'm crazy for trying this?? First of all--- the film is NOT about the journey. The film is about energy production. The journey is a TINY part of the film because it is a TINY journey. I suggest to everyone that hasn't properly read about the film, do so now before you keep writing comments that are irrelevant and meaningless to my situation. I do however, find the comments about possible injuries and the idea of self exploration helpful. Thank you. But questioning my profession? Really? Even if I was a kid with a camera, I'm making a pretty nice living at it. I'm leaving in two days. If you don't think I can make it, follow my blog. We'll See


Yeah, right. Let's put this in perspective.

Your're a kid with a bunch of cameras and a wordpress blog that calls himself a film producer, is going on a bike ride and filming it.

Some of the replies may sound a bit negative but its just the voice of experience. People have ridden bikes to some amazing places and not many have died.
Touring can be really hard on body and bike. Racing gets all the kudos but touring is where stuff gets tested to destruction with no team mechanic, bike shop, physio or ambulance to hand. Tourists, especially solo adventurers, tend to ride conservatively. I have seen those videos of young guys riding crazy stunts in back of beyond places. You are one misjudgement away from serious trouble so take care. Any mountaineer can tell you of stupid accidents that might be minor in the local cliffs but deadly in back-country. In my experience, USA adventurers tend to be more conservative than UK ones, who have ready access to free helicopter and mountain rescue anywhere in the country.
Solo self-first aid is a bit different to aiding another casualty.
Plan carefully and be aware when you pass the Point of No return on a route and committing to something without a bug-out plan.
Most desert areas have sources of water but you need local advice to find them, or special methods to purify them.

I think 7 years of working my up from 0 to having a full crew that I employ and 5 projects going simultaneously constitutes as more than a "kid with a bunch of cameras"... and you are?? a has been? a stuck to online blogs, bringing people down and trying to deconstruct their confidence because you're jealous guy?
Yes, collectivly, we are "the man" holding you down. We are responsible for everything from balding to sun spots. Obviously you have talent, but don't oversell yourself, your online footprint betrays you. Your group (http://burningtorchproductions.wordpress.com/2011/06/07/who-are-we/) is little more than a collection of college aged kids with a dream at this point. Just because you just got your BS in Digital Cinema does not make you a hot shot "film producer".


Honestly, everyone on here that thinks I'm crazy for trying this?? First of all--- the film is NOT about the journey. The film is about energy production. The journey is a TINY part of the film because it is a TINY journey.

If it's not about the journey, then why do something so stupid without proper training. Just because you will probably survive and muscle through this tour does not mean that you were properly trained. Don't tell me you are "trained" when your own blog from little more than a week ago shows you completing 20 miles a day. Your entry on Teton also reveals that, yes, you do have a problem with proper planning. This time there may not be someone helpful to lend you gear, especially if your route is as desolate as you are making it out to be.


Even if I was a kid with a camera, I'm making a pretty nice living at it.

I find it nearly impossible that you could live on the money that you have made on your projects unless there was a grant involved. As far as I can tell all of your projects up till now have been driven by, or an offshoot of, your degree program. I figure if you were making a living off of these projects rather than your graduate student work at the university it would be front and center on your resume.


I'm leaving in two days. If you don't think I can make it, follow my blog. We'll See

Your blog indicates that the date has been pushed back to the 26th?

Are you nervous about anything?

Mark – That’s a hard question to answer. If I said no, I would by lying but if I said yes, I would be undermining my confidence. The only things I am nervous about are the things that I can’t prepare for. It is going to be a very exhausting journey both physically and mentally. I have been asking for advice from experienced bicyclists who have done this type of thing before and they think I’m crazy. I don’t think that is a good sign. The main concern is my trailer will be so heavy (100lbs). Most of the people who do rides like this only take half or even 1/3 of that amount of weight. I have been training but I haven’t had time to do a multi-day training ride like I originally planned. There just isn’t enough time in the day.

Nice, keep it classy there Mark. Quoting people out of context while still claiming one set of things here and another on your blog. Really I'm trying to decide if you are just faking all of this for the quotes or if you are really just that full of yourself.

People keep warning me about not having any rest days but I don’t have enough time to put a rest day in. I would love some rest but sometimes that’s not an option.


Sounds like a bad idea....700 miles through the desert with 100lbs of gear, possibly more with water, and not having any wiggle room.....maybe you need to make a rest day an option.

At least you see it as a potential problem (or do you?).

- Never mind -

BurningTorchPro...not sure why there are so many negative comments, half the people saying you will fail, the other saying it is easy and not worth filming. Set out on your tour. I hope it is successful, if not, it will be a learning experience.

"Before you try to beat the odds, make sure you can survive the odds beating you."

To me it sounds pretty reasonable to do, but given the desolation of the area, make sure that you have some sort of way to summon help in case something goes wrong. Maybe you check in with someone periodically and update them on where you are; if you don't check in when you're supposed to, they send someone to check up on you.

I wouldn't think the knees will be that much of an issue as long as you aren't adverse to spinning at a nice relaxed pace. This is what those huge dropout granny gears on mountain bike wheels are for, is so you can save your knees when you hit a big vertical. On my cargo bike, I swapped the inner front ring for the tiniest ring I could put my hands on, for hills. Smooth shifting be damned, it's for steep rises; I have two other rings to play with 'smooth' on.

I wonder if a solar still to recover some of your wastewater would be efficient? *haven't used one* Because you're going to need more than 1 gallon of water a day. I blow through that much water in a few hours here and it's below 100f. Refill your water supply any chance you possibly can.

and you are?? a has been? a stuck to online blogs, bringing people down and trying to deconstruct their confidence because you're jealous guy?

I'm the Lead Engineer for IT for one of the worlds major media companies.. I know journalism son, and this ain't it. Want to toss a few more rocks?

You reallly think given what I do I haven't seen starry eyed grad students that think they're going to conquer the world?

Curiosity got the better of me.

http://www.wyomingbusinessreport.com/article.asp?id=58896


July 27, 2011 --
LARAMIE — University of Wyoming student Mark Pedri began a 700-mile mountain bicycle ride last Sunday through Wyoming and Utah while documenting his trip without the help of a support vehicle or support crew.

His blog show him still on the road, but not without some issues along the way.

http://burningtorchproductions.wordpress.com/


The route that Mark had mapped out on the computer prior to his journey turned out not to be there when he got to the actual location. The road that he was following fizzled out and he was left at a dead end in the middle of the desert.


The second day of my ride was by far the worst and I am hoping I don’t have to go through anything like it again. I was exhausted, out of water, lost, and struggling with flat tires and the harsh conditions. Anything that can survive in that desert gets my nod. It was an eye opening and humbling experience.


The help and support continues for Mark as he makes his way through the countryside, though. Mark and Carrie spent Sunday at Current Creek Ranch and Mark said that ranchers, Tyson and Mimi were very accommodating. “At the ranch, Carrie and I came across the first patch of shade we’d seen in two days and both immediately laid down for a three hour nap.” Mark fondly reported. Jason Meddler surprised Mark and Carrie with a bike tune-up, and Mark’s father, Gary Pedri, rode 18 miles with them on Sunday night.

Regardless of the lad's credentials or whether he eventually succeeds or fails, I have to say I'm completely ashamed to see such disheartening condemnation from so many self-righteous prima donnas. Ultimately, touring on a bike is just about the simplest, most basic way to travel - you pack your stuff and pedal. That's all the technical stuff covered, full stop. Everything else is adventure, and for sure some people have big ideas and learn quickly that they've bitten off more than they can chew, but some of them have the nuts to persevere, overcome problems and succeed, and that's pretty heroic to me.

Shame on you for slamming one man's big ideas, because in your small mind you think he'll fail - he might just be more determined than you. And shame on you for taking delight from his failure, if that's what ultimately happens. What would the world be like if it were full of folk like you?