Let's do a quick(ish) calculation of how many miles we're going...
I know our first two days are 140 miles, so:
140 miles (Yorktown to Charlottesville) +
191 miles (rest of map 1 to Christiansburg, VA) +
374.5 miles (map 2 to Berea, KY) +
410.5 miles (map 3 to Murphysboro, IL) +
131 miles (part of map 4 to Lesterville, MO, then we change routes) +
517 miles (map 5 to Muscatine, IA) +
396.5 miles (map 6 to Stillwater, MN) +
234 miles (map 7 to Grand Rapids, MN) +
227.5 miles (map 8 to Fargo, ND) +
309.5 miles (map 9 to Minot, ND) +
573 miles (map 10 to Cut Bank, MT) +
445.5 miles (map 11 to Sandpoint, ID) +
286 miles (map 12 to Twisp, WA) +
258 miles (map 13 to Mt. Rainier, WA) +
126 miles (map 14 to Hood River, OR) +
183 miles (map 15 to Seaside, OR)
TOTAL MILES = 4803 miles !!!
TOTAL MILES NEEDED PER DAY TO MAKE IT = 4803/90 = 53.3 miles per day
TOTAL MILES NEEDED PER BIKING DAY IF WE TAKE ONE REST DAY PER WEEK = 61.6 miles per day
We're gonna make it!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Crazy Test Post from a Phone
this is a test post from Dean's phone. Caps and punctuation are a rea pain, and picture adding seems not possible. hopefully dad's netbook will come through, or maybe well bring av full on laptop. but this will do in a pinch!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
As Promised!
Us, the bikes, and us with our bikes!
Meredith's Bike
Dean's Bike
Meredith with Her Bike
Dean with His Bike
Meredith's Bike
Dean's Bike
Meredith with Her Bike
Dean with His BikeMonday, April 18, 2011
Testing, Testing, 1-2-3
This weekend we slept in our tent on both Friday and Saturday nights.
I'm so glad we tested it out!
First of all, I LOVE our tent (thanks, Beckles!). It rained for about 24 hours straight on Saturday, and the tent stayed pretty dry. It packs down tiny and light. It has a little net at the top for storing things. It's easy to set up. It's the perfect size for us. I feel really good about it!
But both nights were tough, sleeping-wise. I think we may have tried to go to sleep too early. For optimal tent sleep, you should be really exhausted, I think (which we will be, on the trip).
The first night, we were on brand new sleeping pads that Dean had bought that day. I had a miserable night. The sleeping pad just felt tiny and I kept rolling off it. I gave up and went into the house to sleep around 3:00 a.m. Also, the world in general just seemed really loud. Cars passing, animals making weird sounds, the wind... It was loud. I think the noise part will just take some getting used to.
For the sleeping pad, though, that was totally out. So we went to REI on Saturday and exchanged them for a queen size air mattress. MUCH better. It takes up most of the tent, but there is just so much more space to sleep/roll around on. And it can be folded into a little carrier bag that I think we can easily strap to one of the bikes. Yes!
But on Saturday night, I made the terrible mistake of not zipping myself into my bag very well, and I woke up freezing in the middle of the night. I zipped in and got a bit more sleep, but was up again at 5 a.m. and that was that. I moved around so much that I woke Dean up, too, and neither of us could get back to sleep. We went inside and slept in for a few more hours in our bed after that.
The cat was very confused about what we were up to this weekend. She did NOT like the tent.
But I think with some minor tweaks, it will be great and really comfortable. We'll make sure to bring some cold weather clothing, just in case, and we'll definitely be tired when it's bedtime. I might pack a little Tylenol PM just so nothing's left to chance.
On Sunday, we did another 40 mile training ride. In a lot of ways, it was better than last week's. We had just finished the Park Tool School at Revolution Cycles and our bikes were in tip top condition, plus I think we feel a lot more confident about handling any problems that might arise on the road. Shifting gears was WAY easier for me this time, and my bike didn't squeak like 1,000 tiny tweeting birds. I feel like we went faster. I feel like the exhaustion level was pretty comparable, but this time we knew that eating a big lunch would give us a second wind. It went well!
On the downside, I was trying out a new saddle and a new pair of bike pants. When I got home, my butt was probably about as sore as last time ... maybe a little more, but I had the beginnings of saddle sores. Since I was trying two new things, I don't know if it was the saddle, the pants, the fact that I used vaseline instead of a chamois cream, or what. It's a little worrying. I guess we'll try, try again and see if I can figure a way to keep that from happening. Plus, I'm buying chamois cream stat.
Anyway, that's about it. I have a ton to do over the next 25 days of prep before we go. Eek!
I'm so glad we tested it out!
First of all, I LOVE our tent (thanks, Beckles!). It rained for about 24 hours straight on Saturday, and the tent stayed pretty dry. It packs down tiny and light. It has a little net at the top for storing things. It's easy to set up. It's the perfect size for us. I feel really good about it!
But both nights were tough, sleeping-wise. I think we may have tried to go to sleep too early. For optimal tent sleep, you should be really exhausted, I think (which we will be, on the trip).
The first night, we were on brand new sleeping pads that Dean had bought that day. I had a miserable night. The sleeping pad just felt tiny and I kept rolling off it. I gave up and went into the house to sleep around 3:00 a.m. Also, the world in general just seemed really loud. Cars passing, animals making weird sounds, the wind... It was loud. I think the noise part will just take some getting used to.
For the sleeping pad, though, that was totally out. So we went to REI on Saturday and exchanged them for a queen size air mattress. MUCH better. It takes up most of the tent, but there is just so much more space to sleep/roll around on. And it can be folded into a little carrier bag that I think we can easily strap to one of the bikes. Yes!
But on Saturday night, I made the terrible mistake of not zipping myself into my bag very well, and I woke up freezing in the middle of the night. I zipped in and got a bit more sleep, but was up again at 5 a.m. and that was that. I moved around so much that I woke Dean up, too, and neither of us could get back to sleep. We went inside and slept in for a few more hours in our bed after that.
The cat was very confused about what we were up to this weekend. She did NOT like the tent.
But I think with some minor tweaks, it will be great and really comfortable. We'll make sure to bring some cold weather clothing, just in case, and we'll definitely be tired when it's bedtime. I might pack a little Tylenol PM just so nothing's left to chance.
On Sunday, we did another 40 mile training ride. In a lot of ways, it was better than last week's. We had just finished the Park Tool School at Revolution Cycles and our bikes were in tip top condition, plus I think we feel a lot more confident about handling any problems that might arise on the road. Shifting gears was WAY easier for me this time, and my bike didn't squeak like 1,000 tiny tweeting birds. I feel like we went faster. I feel like the exhaustion level was pretty comparable, but this time we knew that eating a big lunch would give us a second wind. It went well!
On the downside, I was trying out a new saddle and a new pair of bike pants. When I got home, my butt was probably about as sore as last time ... maybe a little more, but I had the beginnings of saddle sores. Since I was trying two new things, I don't know if it was the saddle, the pants, the fact that I used vaseline instead of a chamois cream, or what. It's a little worrying. I guess we'll try, try again and see if I can figure a way to keep that from happening. Plus, I'm buying chamois cream stat.
Anyway, that's about it. I have a ton to do over the next 25 days of prep before we go. Eek!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Park Tool School
Dean and I have been taking a bike repair course. Here's what we've learned:
(How to)
Change a flat
Fix a broken chain
Replace a broken spoke
Fix a broken spoke temporarily until you can get to a bike shop
Adjust derailleurs
Determine if wheels are out of true
True wheels (tighten/loosen spokes)
Run a chain through derailleurs
Tighten brakes
Center brakes
Adjust brake pads
Replace brake pads
Replace brake cables
We have one more night, but we've covered most things already. We'll mount a low rider rack and check our cleats on Friday, as well as get answers to whatever questions we have left. :)
I feel ready to hit the road! Many thanks to Joe and Rockville Revolution Cycles!
(How to)
Change a flat
Fix a broken chain
Replace a broken spoke
Fix a broken spoke temporarily until you can get to a bike shop
Adjust derailleurs
Determine if wheels are out of true
True wheels (tighten/loosen spokes)
Run a chain through derailleurs
Tighten brakes
Center brakes
Adjust brake pads
Replace brake pads
Replace brake cables
We have one more night, but we've covered most things already. We'll mount a low rider rack and check our cleats on Friday, as well as get answers to whatever questions we have left. :)
I feel ready to hit the road! Many thanks to Joe and Rockville Revolution Cycles!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Gear!
I know I'm posting a lot today, but I want to get some basic content up. Plus, I'm excited!
So, let's talk gear. Here are the things we are bringing with us:
BIKES
1986 Miyata Six-Ten (Meredith)
2009 Jamis Coda (Dean)
BIKE EQUIPMENT/ACCESSORIES
Aero Bars (Dean only, b/c Meredith hated hers and has removed them)
Back Racks
Front Racks (We still haven't figured out how to attach mine)
Fenders
Headlight/Tail-light
Bike Computer
Water Cages
Panniers (front and back -- Dean has Ortlieb, I haven't bought mine yet)
Spare Tubes
OTHER EQUIPMENT
First Aid Kit
Bike Tools
Patch Kit
Tent
Sleeping Bags
Sleeping Pads/Bedrolls
Chamois Butt'r (to prevent saddle sores)
Sunblock
Halt! Dog Repellent
Bungee Cords
Hydration Pack(s?)
Water bottles
Extra spokes
Chain links
CLOTHING
SPF-protective shirts (Meredith, 2)
Padded shorts (2 pair each)
Shirts Anita gave us (thanks!)
Biking Shirts (2, Dean)
Sports Bras (2, Meredith only)
2 non-bike outfits
Regular Shoes (1 pair ea)
Bike Shoes (1 pair ea)
Socks!!
Sunglasses
Bike Gloves
OTHER
Basic Hygiene Stuff (toothbrush, deodorant, etc.)
Snacks/Gu
Wallets (w/ID)
Netbook or Dean's phone (to update here!)
Camera
Books? Kindles?
That's all I can think of right now, but there's probably stuff I'm missing.
So, let's talk gear. Here are the things we are bringing with us:
BIKES
1986 Miyata Six-Ten (Meredith)
2009 Jamis Coda (Dean)
BIKE EQUIPMENT/ACCESSORIES
Aero Bars (Dean only, b/c Meredith hated hers and has removed them)
Back Racks
Front Racks (We still haven't figured out how to attach mine)
Fenders
Headlight/Tail-light
Bike Computer
Water Cages
Panniers (front and back -- Dean has Ortlieb, I haven't bought mine yet)
Spare Tubes
OTHER EQUIPMENT
First Aid Kit
Bike Tools
Patch Kit
Tent
Sleeping Bags
Sleeping Pads/Bedrolls
Chamois Butt'r (to prevent saddle sores)
Sunblock
Halt! Dog Repellent
Bungee Cords
Hydration Pack(s?)
Water bottles
Extra spokes
Chain links
CLOTHING
SPF-protective shirts (Meredith, 2)
Padded shorts (2 pair each)
Shirts Anita gave us (thanks!)
Biking Shirts (2, Dean)
Sports Bras (2, Meredith only)
2 non-bike outfits
Regular Shoes (1 pair ea)
Bike Shoes (1 pair ea)
Socks!!
Sunglasses
Bike Gloves
OTHER
Basic Hygiene Stuff (toothbrush, deodorant, etc.)
Snacks/Gu
Wallets (w/ID)
Netbook or Dean's phone (to update here!)
Camera
Books? Kindles?
That's all I can think of right now, but there's probably stuff I'm missing.
The Basics
Dean and I (Meredith) are biking from Yorktown, VA to Seaside, OR for our honeymoon. Here is the route we're taking:
Click to enlarge image
Dean and I got married on December 4, 2010. The honeymoon is a bit delayed, but bicycling across the country in January seemed like a cold, bad idea. Here's us on our wedding day:
That's before we got dressed for the ceremony, obviously. But he's rocking his Cherry Blossom Bombshells t-shirt, so I had to post it. Plus, it gives you a much better idea of what we look like normally. Here's one of us all fancy for the wedding:
I'll post photos of our bikes and such once I have some.
We plan to start in Yorktown, VA, very near where my parents live. They might bike the first few miles with us, and meet us along the way. We will go west to Missouri (via Kentucky) then cut north through Iowa. In Wisconsin, we'll start heading west again, along the Northern Tier Route, then we'll head south to Portland, across to Seaside, back to Portland, then fly home.
We plan to visit on the way:
My parents
Sapna
Teri + Alex
Heather
Snake Bite (Erica) ?
Joy
I'll post soon about our bikes and gear, and how the preparations are going!
Click to enlarge image
That's before we got dressed for the ceremony, obviously. But he's rocking his Cherry Blossom Bombshells t-shirt, so I had to post it. Plus, it gives you a much better idea of what we look like normally. Here's one of us all fancy for the wedding:
I'll post photos of our bikes and such once I have some.
We plan to start in Yorktown, VA, very near where my parents live. They might bike the first few miles with us, and meet us along the way. We will go west to Missouri (via Kentucky) then cut north through Iowa. In Wisconsin, we'll start heading west again, along the Northern Tier Route, then we'll head south to Portland, across to Seaside, back to Portland, then fly home.
We plan to visit on the way:
My parents
Sapna
Teri + Alex
Heather
Snake Bite (Erica) ?
Joy
I'll post soon about our bikes and gear, and how the preparations are going!
Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now!
... We're on the move!
Wow. I can't believe we're actually doing this bike trip. I don't even know how long I've been talking about it, but I think Joy and I first started thinking about it in high school or early college.
And it was never real. (Not like our 40th b-day Kilimanjaro trip will be!) It was just stuff we talked about. And I forgot about it for awhile. In my mid-20s I made a new friend who thought it was a great idea, and I was back on board ... making plans, thinking maybe it might happen. But that fell through, too. So I even started looking around on the Adventure Cycling Association's message boards, thinking I might go with a total stranger (don't worry, mom, I wasn't serious). I had bike fever, but I couldn't go. I was missing one thing I really needed to make it happen.
Dean!
I love Dean so much. You all know this. One of the things that I love most about him is his total willingness to go along with my crazy schemes, combined with the practical know-how to make them reality. "Run a marathon with you even though I've only ever run 2 miles? Sounds good," says Dean. "Drop our normal lives like a bad habit and ride a bicycle for 3 months coast to coast? Count me in!"
I like to talk and fantasize about travels and fun stuff. A lot of the time, I follow through, but a lot of the time I don't. Dean follows through. Dean is SERIOUS. Dean doesn't say he's going to do something unless he really is going to do it. He means it. He will study and research and figure out the best way to do it, and follow through 100%.
I'm glad. I need his seriousness and his dedication and his enthusiasm to keep me on board.
Really, I'm very excited. But I've been worrying a lot lately too. Lots of things could go wrong. It's a HUGE financial risk, and there's certainly personal safety concerns too. But when I talk to Dean about my concerns, rather than saying, "You've roped me into a dangerous trip that could leave us financially ruined?" he instead calms my fears. He's pretty cool.
So my fears are calmed, and we are about 30 days out! We are in the middle of our super great bike repair course, the Park Tool School at the Rockville Revolution Cycles. We are learning a ton. And we just did a 40 mile training ride this weekend that went very well.
I am beginning to feel like we can do this. We are going to do this! I can't believe we are going to do this!
Wow. I can't believe we're actually doing this bike trip. I don't even know how long I've been talking about it, but I think Joy and I first started thinking about it in high school or early college.
And it was never real. (Not like our 40th b-day Kilimanjaro trip will be!) It was just stuff we talked about. And I forgot about it for awhile. In my mid-20s I made a new friend who thought it was a great idea, and I was back on board ... making plans, thinking maybe it might happen. But that fell through, too. So I even started looking around on the Adventure Cycling Association's message boards, thinking I might go with a total stranger (don't worry, mom, I wasn't serious). I had bike fever, but I couldn't go. I was missing one thing I really needed to make it happen.
Dean!
I love Dean so much. You all know this. One of the things that I love most about him is his total willingness to go along with my crazy schemes, combined with the practical know-how to make them reality. "Run a marathon with you even though I've only ever run 2 miles? Sounds good," says Dean. "Drop our normal lives like a bad habit and ride a bicycle for 3 months coast to coast? Count me in!"
I like to talk and fantasize about travels and fun stuff. A lot of the time, I follow through, but a lot of the time I don't. Dean follows through. Dean is SERIOUS. Dean doesn't say he's going to do something unless he really is going to do it. He means it. He will study and research and figure out the best way to do it, and follow through 100%.
I'm glad. I need his seriousness and his dedication and his enthusiasm to keep me on board.
Really, I'm very excited. But I've been worrying a lot lately too. Lots of things could go wrong. It's a HUGE financial risk, and there's certainly personal safety concerns too. But when I talk to Dean about my concerns, rather than saying, "You've roped me into a dangerous trip that could leave us financially ruined?" he instead calms my fears. He's pretty cool.
So my fears are calmed, and we are about 30 days out! We are in the middle of our super great bike repair course, the Park Tool School at the Rockville Revolution Cycles. We are learning a ton. And we just did a 40 mile training ride this weekend that went very well.
I am beginning to feel like we can do this. We are going to do this! I can't believe we are going to do this!
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