Jackontheroad

I am thinking/planning/deciding and until I finance my trip, that would be the moment I know for sure I am going.
In the meantime today I started my "training" and with the favor of your knowledge I would like to have a feedback about my bike and also I want to share my first experiences on this 25 mile trip.
I started at home in Katy, TX riding a too small for me Trek that a friend gave me long ago. And when I was about to enter the bike trail heading to the Noble Road Trail I realized the tires needed air and I didn't have a pump so, I pedaled back to the nearest car lube station and fixed that problem and got back to my path. There I stopped so many times to smell the flowers, actually to take some pictures to the flowers and insects, also I used a few of these stops to drink Gatorade (what do you think about drinking gatorade instead of water).
In one of the cross roads while checking my map a nice guy asked me if I was OK, kind of offering help if I wasn't. Nice. I was OK, I didn't need help.
A lady said something like "two the left" or something and I understand what she meant, my question is, should I answer something or just keep quiet, what is the polite way?
Earlier in the morning I knew I wanted to change the bike for a better one so, the trip was also designed to visit some Pawn shops and trade my bike, what I did at the very first pawn shop I found on the road and that pretty much limited the length to 25, in my mind I was kind of prepared to ride as much as 50 mile. But, I kind of liked the first bike that I saw and if not for the actual trip, it is going to be useful for the training.
The new bike is a Novara Buzz from REI, comparing with pictures I think it is from the 2009, and while I couldn't find the size somehow on the frame, I think it is a 18". It has disc brakes? SRAM deraileurs, etc. and I think this components are considered high end, maybe? and the Novara is also considered a good brand I think?
If I like riding this on my training and if I figure out how to attach racks and panniers, my question to you is, should I pursue working on this frame to be touring ready or should I try to find something different, better?
If any of you have a touring bike or a bike that you consider would be more appropriate to my venture and are in the Houston area, let me know.
Well, the guy told me he was selling me a bike with flat tires and the rest was OK. And I said I was OK with that.
Somehow I forgot I was in Houston and there is not a bike shop every block and in any case here the blocks are really long.
Anyway, I was on the side of the road getting frustrated because no driver offered me a ride until a nice guy, Tom, you guessed it right a cyclist himself, stopped and offered me a ride to the nearest bike shop where I learned how to inflate a tire with the other kind of valves. I went for my lunch across the street and I could tell the seat was really low so back to the bike shop I fixed that to momentarily because at home I am going to fine tune, I changed the height once more already.
Tomorrow I'll do a tune-up.
Comments are welcome.
Peace.

Tandem Tom

I would recommend that you get "fitted" properly to the bike you decide to ride. You may or may not have bought the correct size frame for your body.

Cyclebum

For most, cycling is 90% motivation. If you want to ride, you will. Somehow. I look back and wonder how on earth I managed to ride an ill-fitting and uncomfortable upright bicycle thousands of miles. I didn't know any better and was highly motivated. That's how.

You're at the low end of the learning curve now, looking for advice. Keep posting serious questions and you'll get plenty. Read BF's and www.crazyguyonabike, especially the journals at that site, for both info and motivation.

Ride what's you've got as much as possible. You'll learn a lot about mechanics and fit that way. When you can, upgrade if need be to something you know for sure will serve you better.

Machka 

Your post is a perfect example of why it is important to go on test rides before entertaining the idea of doing a longer tour.

In answer to one of your questions ...

Gatorade vs. water => I prefer water ... it's easier to come by and doesn't create mold in your bottle if you leave a bit in there for any length of time. Stop and pick up a bottle of iced tea, coke, orange juice, or whatever along the way now and then for flavour.

But as your rides get longer, you will want to carry food along.

Jackontheroad

Thanks for the answers.
Here trying to get fitted properly and avoid the pain on my neck my question is about handlebars and also riding position. I've found that upright is better for flat bar and a lower back using the dropped handlebar but, I have not found what is the right handlebar and a proper position for touring.

10 Wheels

Hey Jack,

Drop bars give you more hand positions.

I tour with drop bars.

My first tour: It would be also be a good place for you to do a one night camping trip.

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...League-City-TX

Jackontheroad

10 wheels, very nice pictures, thanks for sharing.

10 Wheels

Nother one : 600 Miles

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...exas-Bike-Ride

Jackontheroad

nice of you all to bring a dog, and free beer is my favorite.

10 Wheels

Lady was baby sitting the dog so she drove her van.

Nother one;

https://s256.photobucket.com/albums/h...view=slideshow