Originally Posted by
Nota
I used to work as a security guard at the mall in Catonsville, back when I was about 19 or 20 y/o. I grew up very near Cedarcroft - just off the Alameda (on Glenhaven Rd). Why is your wife not keen on retiring to the NC mtns? Actually, I had the very same idea, to retire to the NC mtns. I like the Boone & Blowing Rock area, but they're way too pricey. I wound up buying a second home on 23 wooded acres just outside Wilkesboro, in the Brushy Mtns. I've had it for 3-1/2 yrs now, and I LOVE IT! I go there EVERY weekend. (see attached pic of the view from my mtn house)
As for breaking in a brand new Brooks on my trip, the way I figured it, my other two saddles (a Fizik Airone, and a Forte Pro) hurt my butt after just 40 miles, and they each have over a thousand miles on them. I've read countless testimonials on the comfort of Brooks saddles - so I figured I'd give it a try. I did just one training ride on it, 43 miles, before I left for my trip last week. It felt great for that whole ride, so I figured it couldn't be any worse than my other two "already broken in", saddles. And besides, the honey colored leather looks way cool with the celeste green Bianchi, dontcha think?
I had planned on traveling even lighter than I did. That trunk bag has zip out sides that become panniers. I hadn't planned on employing them, but I had so much crap that I couldn't quite decide how to pare down before my trip, so I just said screw it, take everything..."better to have it and not need it, than to need it an not have it", so I did.
I hadn't realized just how heavy the rig was, til I went to sneak through the only closed section (that I couldn't go around the barriers and pedal through - there were 2 of those spots) of the parkway (the Goshen Bridge near Boone, just before hwy 421). I hoisted the bike up and put it on my shoulder so I could shinny across the bridge (which was undergoing major renovation, and had rebar and metal sticking out everywhere, but no road surface), and damn that thing was heavy; about 50lbs total I'd guess. I wouldn't have wanted to carry any further than I did.
Glenhaven rd: My parents rented a rowhouse on Northwood Dr just across the park from Glenhaven when we first moved to Baltimore('67) before settling on Cedarcroft. I don't remember why she wasn't thrilled with NC? It's been a few years. It might have been real rainy while we were there. I think we camped for 1 week and rented a cabin for the second week just after a long drought had ended. Lots and lots of rain. I love it...kayaking, mnt biking, climbing everywhere!! Waterfalls were awesome. We still continue our search for a retirement home. Just went to S. Utah for 11 days for hiking and checking out the real estate there. Wonderful state and weather. Another option is to get ourselves a camper van(vanagon/Eurovan) type vehicle. This way we will keep our current residence(paid for) and go where ever we please whenever we please.
A 50 lb bike is heavy, almost the weight of a fully loaded rig. So part of the BRP is closed? I sometimes tour with a trailer so this might be an obstacle that will need to be considered.
Nice view from your mnt home. Later, Charlie