| Bike Distance | Avg Speed | Total Ascent | Saddle Time | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 miles | 0.0 mph | 0 ft | 00:00:00 | 0 cal |
What time is it? Tour time!
You didn't think I would go a whole 2 years without going on another bike trip did ya? I first started planning this trip as a continuation from my 2010 East Coast Tour but mid way through the planning phase I realized it was not exciting me (sorry my Floridian friends). I've always wanted to see Glacier and Yellowstone so, I jumped clear across the country to the Rocky Mountains! These places are teeming with grizzlies and mountain lions so not only will I have to be concerned with my fellow human motorists but I'll have to keep a watchful eye out for the wildlife! If this doesn't excite/scare me then nothing will! :-)
First Solo Tour:
Yep, you read that correctly!This will be my very first solo bike tour. My previous bike tours were with my buddy Neil. Unfortunately, he has already planned a trip with his brother in Oregon later this year and he could not join me on this adventure. So, I'm going it alone!
Being solo presents several challenges to me. For one, despite what my wife says, I am a social person! :) I will miss sitting around the campfire laughing about the day's ride and talking about what adventure awaits tomorrow. Out of sheer desperation for conversation I will now have to solicit random strangers to exercise the vocal cords! :) Secondly, if anything goes wrong during the trip I won't have the comfort of knowing my riding partner is there to help. I will need to fix it all by myself! Lastly, on those not so wind friendly days, I won't have a partner to share the burden of slicing through the wind. We first implemented this strategy during the 2009 Southwest Tour and have used it together ever since. This will certainly slow me down some...
Neil, you will be missed buddy! :(
Facebook:
For all my Facebook addict friends I will periodically post trip and blog status on my Facebook page. I tried to create a page on Facebook which would automatically link to this blog but it was problematic so I removed it. That being said, please keep the comments coming (at Facebook or Blogger)! I will enjoy hearing from you all!
Posting:
Since I will likely have limited mobile coverage my postings may become erratic at times. Rest assured (Mom), I have likely not been mauled by a grizzly nor am I lying in a ditch. :) Keep checking back or sign up for email status notifications to see when the posts finally "post". :)
Final Thoughts:
As one can expect, these trips are typically an emotional roller coaster. When the sun is shining things are typically up beat and you cannot believe how beautiful this countries landscape is. When it is rainy and cold you just want to hunker down in your tent and question "why the hell am I doing this?". Ultimately, months after you return, you look back at these posts, read all the comments and say to yourself "That was a pretty damn awesome experience!"
Your Friend,
Dennis
P.S. I really enjoy reading all your comments. They brighten up my day and lift me up when my spirits are down so KEEP THEM COMING! :)
Though not even close to Neil's camera and his presence but our fb comments will give you company and random silly jokes may be a good workout for your laughter cords ��
ReplyDeleteBtw keep an eye out for those aliens, apparently they like landscapes a lot too....you'll definitely have company then.
Hmm... so that means when you're back, you'll be talking nineteen-to-the-dozen to make up for unused words on the trip? :D Would love to have you back safe and sound, so be careful! If those grizzlies come around, tell them that I want you more than they do! Hope you don't get to try out the bear-spray! Muahs!!
ReplyDeleteFlorida may not have all those spectacular parks, but at least it is flat. You may be wishing for Florida when your trip computer says today's course has a change of 8,000 feet of altitude. I'm looking forward to following your blog, and best of luck.
ReplyDeleteI suspect you'll have little mobile coverage on this trip. We'll have to not let grizzly thoughts enter our minds. Stay safe, strong and enjoy the journey, Dennis!
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