Bike Forums - It starts tomorrow.

I qualify for the 50+ group and clydesdales and this message could go in the Touring group. I'm feeling clyde-ish today so here is where I'm at.

Tomorrow morning I start an 1150 km round trip ride to the northern tip of Vancouver Island and back. I'll be camping along the way and I expect it will take 15 or 16 days. That's just the way the campsites are spread out... I only intend to do 60 to 80 kms per day. (roughly 40 to 50 miles) This is not very aggressive, but completing the journey is more important that it being fast. In May I started this ride but the weather was cool and wet so I turned around and headed for home after only going 200 kms.

Getting ready for the trip has been a bit of a bust. Not really motivated so I haven't ridden my bike in 2 weeks. I know I can ride the flat sections but there are two 1000 ft heights of land to cross. I don't think I'll have to walk, but will no doubt be stopping every couple kilometres on those hills to catch my breath and let my heart slow down. I don't want to give myself a heart attack.

I'm all packed, except for my clothes and tools. Packing has been pretty hit and miss, as I casually threw stuff in a pile over the last week.

There are 5 towns with a bicycle shop in the first 5 days. It is quite comforting to know i'm never more than 32 km, (20 miles) from a bike shop. After that I'll be on my own for 6 or more days.

Thanks for your encouragement and support. I find this forum a really positive place to hang out.

See you in 2 to 3 weeks.
Skilsaw