My first tour was a complete disaster...a lasting monument to inept planning and general multi-dimensioned studidity.

Started out in Basking Ridge, NJ. Intended destination: Hartford, Maine. Actual destination: New Milford, Connecticut. Total distance: 130 miles over two days.

Time of year was August (hot!)

Hadn't ridden my bike at all for weeks before beginning the tour. Managed to get 85 miles from home the first day. Had to push the bike up most of the (many) hills because of severe leg cramping. Made it to Fahnestock State Park in New York after dark. In the middle of nowhere. Too tired to eat, but starving. Only thing I had eaten all day was a few dried apricots.

Next day only made it 45 more miles. Seat sore, legs not functioning. Called son to come and rescue me.

Many lessons learned on this tour, so I guess it wasn't a complete failure.