jbpence

I just completed my tour from St Charles, MO to Fort Garland NM. My original desination was Taos NM, but I ended it 80 miles early, and caught a ride.

I wanted to thank the folks on this forum that answered my myriad questions about equipment, and all the advice about gearing and touring. I could not have done this trip without this help - so thanks.

see
crazyguyonabike.com/jbpence for a journal/picts of the trip

Jacobi

Congratulations!

Still waiting to get the time/courage to do my own tour!

-Barry-

58Kogswell

Jack,

A great ride report. I was with you all the way. You were open minded and flexible and grateful for the small, good things. Too bad so many of the motels in small towns are so crappy. Staying in a motel is about the only way to make that much distance in the time you had. You surely did the right thing by accepting your friend's generosity and getting a ride from Ft. Garland. Scary stuff back on the east side of the pass.

Glad you like your new bike and glad you got back to Taos. It is a kind of magic place. I look forward to hearing about your next trip.

-jb

staehpj1

Glad to hear it went well. Are you hooked on touring now?

jbpence

yup - hooked on touring.

next may - but where?

staehpj1

Figuring that out is part of the fun.

lmzimmer

Jack, a very good trip reveiw! WWas there any thing you would do/not do differently? Sounds like your bike and equipment generally performed well? any comments? Also enjoyed your photos of the Katy trail.

kraxmel

Jack, I enjoyed reading your report. I'm getting the touring bug and you're journal doesn't help. One day I'm going to ride from my home in Texas to my parent's place in Maine... should be a lot of fun.

jbpence

what would i DO DIFFERENTLY?

1. not ftravel at a time of year when so many climates would be encountered. i had a lot of ccycling clothes that you'd never carry in july.

2. realize i am not going to camp too much. keep the tent and summer bag and thermorest prolite 3. stop carrying pans, stove, etc. i sent this stuff back mid trip.

3. next time I'll have a lot more faith in my ability. headwinds? done that. big mntn passes? yup.

4, figure how to travel even lighter. i got things under control, the time of year made it hard.

it would be nice to travel in mid summer with just the essentials. 15 pounds lighter, i bet. on this trip I had longies, windproof long tights, underlayer, 2 wool jersies, mittens, leg and arm warmers, a toque, a headband, bla bla bla.

4. maybe not solo next time. gets lonely.
i was MIGHTY happy I had the ipod.