Preparedness (or Lack Thereof)

Over the weekend, Laura and I assessed our current level of training, how much time was left before BRAN, and the likelihood we'd be able to ride and (more importantly) enjoy the ride across Nebraska. The long (heck, they're calling for snow tomorrow) winter has kept our bikes in the garage, and us in the house for far too long. So we've decided to postpone our BRAN experience. Instead, we'll head out in July or August to do our own little tour. Right now we're leaning toward the Katy Trail in MO. This is a rail trail close to St. Louis with Amtrak service from one of the towns near the end of the ride back to the Big City. Biggest question in my mind is getting to St. Louis: do we drive or do we take Amtrak out of Omaha. TBD. At any rate, stay tuned. I'll be posting as we get ready to go.

Time for Preparations

So here we are, mid-February and snow on the ground. Laura and I have already registered for BRAN 33, The Historic Highway Tour. For seven days in the beginning of June, we'll be riding with 600 other folks across the State of Nebraska (a total of 468 miles, or 481 if we opt for the longer second day). For a better idea of what the route will be, I put together a Google Maps view of it. Granted, there will probably be some  twists and turns I don't have on here, but it gives a good idea of what's in store.

For now, the challenge is getting ready for the fun. Unlike my ride on the GAP/C&O in 2011, this ride will be supported. We'll have someone carrying the bulk of our gear to each overnight site. However, since neither of us has ridden since November we're planning on starting real soon (heck, maybe even tomorrow) getting our bikes and ourselves in shape.

We're really looking forward to this. Our first bike tour together!!

New Location, New Trailheads, New Challenges!

I've recently moved to Omaha NE. One benefit of the move is that I'm smack dab in the middle of what appears to be some of the best trails around! The Katy, the Wabash, and the Cowboy Trail are all within easy reach of my new domicile (today's $.50 word!)

In addition, I'm right across the Missouri River from the oldest organized bike ride in the country: RAGBRAI! Click on the link to find out more about this ride. Or watch the movie "A Million Spokes" (here's a trailer on YouTube)

But Iowa will have to wait a year or two. This year, Laura and I will be doing BRAN, the Bicycle Ride Across Nebraska. What better way to get acquainted with my new state and its citizens than from two wheels?

With a route that changes annually, BRAN gives small towns and cities along the way an opportunity to raise funds for their communities while raising scholarship money for kids in Nebraska. So if you're looking for us during the first week in June, we'll be on the road somewhere between Kimball and Ashland.

Civitan Rolls

So I DO have a challenge coming up this month. No, it's not another big trail ride, but a 35 mile tour through the City of Raleigh. The Civitan Clubs of Area 5 in the East District of NC are hosting this ride to raise awareness and funds for Autism research. Money raised will go to support research at both the Duke Child Development Center and the Civitan International Research Center at the University of Alabama - Birmingham. The ride this year takes place on September 24 and will start at Falls Village Shopping Center in North Raleigh. Details can be found on our BikeReg site and also on our Facebook page. If you enjoy riding your bike, why not support a great cause at the same time? We'd love to have you join us!

The Ride, Epilogue

I’d been planning this ride since 2009, when I saw the trail while in Hancock MD. I did a fair amount of research on it and had originally planned for it to be a five day ride. After consideration, I changed it to six days so that I’d have time to enjoy the sights, sounds, and the freedom of the trails.

Over the two years, a number of folks expressed their desire to accompany me, but for one reason or another it ended up being a solo ride. Since most of my outdoor exploits are solo, I didn’t think it any big deal, but have to admit that talking to myself got boring after a while: I always knew what I was going to say.

Things I learned:

1.       If it can be broken, Amtrak will find a way

2.       Talcum powder works great as long as it’s dry. Wet, it just becomes an abrasive.

3.       Chamois Butt’r works!

4.       Don’t forget your rain jacket, because it WILL rain at some point in the trip

5.       Check batteries before you need them

6.       Leave the laptop at home. Write it down in a notepad for transcription later. It’s a heck of a lot lighter!

7.       When you’re cycling, it’s ALWAYS a headwind

8.       Uphills and downhills aren’t always equal

9.       Relax and be a kid again!

So would I do it again? In a second! But it’d sure be more fun to have other folks along.

The Ride, Day Six

Today's map.

I had two days of rain, followed by three days of great sunny weather. I guess it's only right that the sixth day have rain to balance it out. And rain it did. I spent the morning riding in showers, had about 90 minutes of sun, then dodged thunderstorms for the rest of the ride. This will explain the few number of pictures; tough to get a shot when you're searching for cover.

Had a short time in the morning without rain as I passed Berlin MD, so I took a pic to celebrate the occasion.

A short time after this, came across a gentleman trying to change his tire. He'd patched his tube, but couldn't get his tire to hold air. Turned out he'd bent the Presta valve. He had another tube but was afraid of depleting his CO2 pump. Asking if I had a hand pump, he looked at my tires and said "Never mind!" (I have Schrader valves on my mountain bike). No fear! I quickly changed the adapter in my pump to Presta, he changed his tube, pumped it up and was on his way. While we worked we talked about my trip. I believe he's another who may give it a go.

A little further down the trail, I came across an aqueduct undergoing restoration. A lot of effort is made to preserve this park.

While I was taking a short break, a woman walking her two dogs came up to talk (amazing what canine companionship can do for one's bravery. Or maybe I just look harmless). She'd seen my saddlebags and asked about my trip. She lived in the area and had entertained doing the through trip but hadn't gotten around to it yet. She said she'd just gotten back from a mountain bike ride in Montana, so I don't imagine she'd have much problem with this.

It was about then that the thunderstorms started rolling in. Not being a fan of uncontrolled electricity, I made myself a moving target and kept on rolling. By the time I got to Great Falls, however, it had quieted down to a soft sprinkle. The only problem here was dodging the hikers and walkers, some of whom didn't seem to understand the words, "Bicycle behind you!" But everyone was pleasant, in spite of the weather.

Then the thunder and lighting started up again and I pushed on to my final destination: Georgetown in Washington DC. On the way, I finally did get my heron pic.

Finally, I reached my destination. Thanks to a young lady in the parking lot, I was able to capture the jubilation and dirt that marked the finish of this challenge.

Don't go away too soon. I'll be posting an epilogue in a day or two.

All the day's pics

The Ride, Day Five

Today's map

Day five was short and uneventful. From Williamsport to Harpers Ferry was just over 40 miles. I didn't take too many pics, as you can only make so much of locks, aqueducts, trees, and pathway. There was a challenging detour around a section of the trail that is under construction.

A heron in the Potomac sat there until I took my camera out. He flew off and waited until I got up to him again. Same stunt, but this time flew across the river somewhere.

Pics of the Day