The long journey ahead

Dear friends, family, and random passersby,

Welcome to my blog chronicling my journey west by bicycle. I will try to update this blog as often as possible. However, since my computer time will be limited to breaks between rides, and internet limited to public libraries, or coffee shops (I may actually have to set foot in Starbucks) I'll probably have to keep the entries short. I'll try to post as many pics as possible, and will fill everyone in on my thoughts, epiphanies, and hilariously hyperbolic tales. For now enjoy some pics of my bike before and after I built it:

This is the frame on our humble diy bike stand built by Tim. The frame is a Surly Long Haul Trucker. I decided to go ahead and get this frame because my two other frames are either too big or too small; this one is just right. I'll call it baby bear, but don't call me Goldilocks!

All (or at least most) of the parts for the bike. I'm using a Suguino triple chain ring (26-36-46 teeth, as far as I can remember) a Shimano Tiagra triple front derailleur, and a Shimano Tiagra GS "triple" rear derailleur, and a 9 speed 11-32 tooth cassette. My wheels are Mavis "bomb-proof" wheels. I'm also using some pretty sweet bar end shifters, which makes shifting so much easier.

Here are some pics of the finished product:



Note the reflective sidewalls on my Schwalbe tires and on my bags, so rest assured concerned parents and friends, I will be visible to passing cars. The double kick stand is pretty rad too...

I'll leave it at that. More tomorrow before I leave for Louisville.

First a quick itenerary:

4/17/2009 - Leave for Louisville to meet up with Tim
4/18/2009 - Drive to Yorktown, VA
4/19/2009 - Quick dip in the Atlantic? and we're off!!

This is a link to adventure cycling, an organization that prints maps for touring cyclists, and their transamerica route page. The route is usually west to east, so you have to scroll down for the more detailed maps of the different parts of the route. We will probably stop somewhere near Damascus, VA where we will be met by Tim's girlfirend Laura, who has kindly volunteered to take us to her parents' house in Kingspot, TN for a few days rest in the hot tub. When we approach Louisville, we'll probably take another break at Tim's parents' house, and then head north along the Mississippi to St. Louis. From there we will take an old railroad converted to a bike trail.

We'll make our way back to the trans-america route from there, and head into Pueblo, CO. From Pueblo we will divert away from the Trans-America route once again, and follow the Western Express, a route that follows the pony express through Utah, Nevada, and into California. We'll end the trip in San Francisco! It will be my first visit to San Fran and it will be quite a way to get there. Until next time, wish me luck.

-sf