sknhgy 

I've taken 3 supported week-long tours in the past few years. I did an overnighter with a friend way back in the '60's when we were kids. I did an unsupported century last July. I haven't done an unsupported tour myself.
Now I'm planning on leaving tomorrow or Monday for a 4 day unsupported ride on the Katy Trail. I've got all my gear. I'm asking you guys to not let me talk myself out of it. I live about 20 miles from the Katy so I often do day rides there. I know the trail quite well. Just need you guys to tell me to go. If I don't go I'll be a weinie.
Thanks

djb

I dont think you should go.
My opinion should matter to you.

Erick L

If you don't go, you will regret and be tormented by for the rest of your life.

Cyclebum

Just stay home, veg out in front of the tv with a beer and some junk food. That'll feel soooo good. Tell yourself 'I'll do the Katy next year. Will be in better shape then.'

Seriously dude, you know you're gonna do it. Have fun and let us hear back.

djb

Montreal has spoken!

zoltani

If he can do it surely you can

znomit

Htfu

antokelly

go go go get your ass out the door at first light and enjoy every pedal stroke,
but please take a camera and post loads of photos..
yeah go for it you will have a great time.

Spld cyclist

I don't understand what the problem is. Why wouldn't you want to go?

simplygib

It's 4 days. And it could open a door for the rest of your life.

Even if it is a disaster, you will have tried it, decided it wasn't for you, and then you can move on to something else.

Just go.

Thaddeus088

Be the change you wish to see
~mahatma ghandi

capejohn

Have a great time. I have no doubt that all your jitters will be gone within the first quarter mile of your tour.

antokelly

well did he or didn't he that is the question.

nubcake

Don't watch if you cant stand cussing..

https://www.youtube.com/embed/1EY7lYRneHc

LeeG

if you're a wienie you're a wienie.

fietsbob

I hear Katy trail, is a cakewalk, even a weenie won't be challenged.

Northwestrider

Let us know how your trip went'

sknhgy 

I'm leaving at first light tomorrow (Monday). Seems like I've got a lot of stuff. Got my camera, too so I'll have some pics to share.
See ya Thursday.

simplygib

Cool! Have fun.

surly_tourer

Dude, seriously, it's just the Katy trail. It's not like you're climbing Mount f**kin' Everest.

antokelly

brilliant post hit the nail on the head

simplygib

We all started somewhere. I remember the first-time jitters quite well. It was 225 miles and 5 days, and I was nervous, excited, worried, and ecstatic all at the same time. Kind of funny to think about now. I still get them before every tour, but now it's more of a "what am I forgetting" thing. :-)

sknhgy 

I did it. The trip was great. Got back Wednesday night due to weather. Did 132 miles in 3 days. Here are some pictures.
I buzzed my head before the trip because I wanted to. Now I think I look like Carl from Slingblade. "You got any french fried potaters?"

I was treated to a snake migration between Augusta and Hermann. Came up on probably 10-15 different snakes making their way from the bluffs to the bottoms. I saw one copperhead but it took off too fast for me to get a picture. When it did get into the leaves it buzzed its tail like a rattlesnake. It made a sound like a cell phone going off. This is a black snake, I believe:

Here's the bike after I figured out how to pack my gear. Several years ago I bought a handmade rear wheel after breaking a number of spokes. I remember thinking at the time that the wheel cost a lot. Now I'm glad I did it. I weigh 190 and my gear ain't light.


Overall it was an excellent trip. It went off without a hitch. I did have to learn to mount and dismount without leaning the bike over. I want to thank everyone for all the good advice. I took along my Coleman dual fuel stove which is kind of heavy, but it boils water in a snap and it even gives off some heat on a cool morning. The only tip I can add is to pay extra for a jar of good jelly.

yeamac 

Congrats on your first tour and thanks for not chickening out. You are an inspiration to the rest of us getting ready for their first tour in the coming weeks.

DW99

Way to go sknhgy! Hope it's the first of many self supported tours for ya.