Bike in Hospital for Refit

Thought I'd better get the bike into Ian Leader's Bike Shop for a once over before I depart in 5 WEEKS time. Ahhh.  I knew it needed quite a bit done, brakes, gears etc because of the weather and road conditions. Turns out it needs new chain, cassette, cables, brakes, back wheel and rear mech.- a good overhaul.  Still, I will be cycling where there are no services for miles ( Texas ) so best to have the bike in tip top condition.  The front brake hasn't worked for weeks so now I feel much more secure. Bike was in for 3 days and saud's law the weather was great, sunny with very little wind.  I was on the exercise bike looking out. I don't believe it.
Getting all my equipment gathered together and learning how it all works - tent, groundsheet and the latest, a Thermarest Prolite Plus Womens Self Inflating Sleep Mat.  When I unrolled it, it looked like plastic stuck together, like an old balloon but open the value, wait 10 minutes and amazingly it self inflates.   A couple of puffs and that's it, about 1.5'' thick. Not much I know but seems very effective.  Will see if I still feel the same way about it after 8 weeks. The only big item I have still to buy is my sleeping bag - want a down filled one. They all seem to be 'mummy' shaped which I find a bit claustrophobic but think I will have to settle for that.

Assisting Janices' Training.

Sunday the 22/01/2012, a day of very windy conditions and heavy showers but I decided to go out on a cycle with my wife to help with her training for her trip across America. Enjoyed the cycle up to North Sannox Bridge despite the weather and we came back to Lindsays', Sannox Golf Club tearoom and had our usual enjoyable lunch, then headed home.

Glasgow Adventure

Had a great cycle to Glasgow last week - a round trip of 74 miles. It wasn't without mishap though.  Set of with friend Linda to get 8.20am ferry. Due to weather, told it might not get into Ardrossan so might have to divert to Gourock.  We chanced it and the crossing was fine.  Picked up Glasgow cycle path then came across a path closure, coped with the divertion and picked up the path again. Linda was stopping at Paisley so that left me with another 9 miles till my sister Liz's house. One mile later I got a puncture in the back tyre - I should say by now it was sleeting quite heavily. Bike and me was covered in muck from path so I hoped it was a slow puncture and pumped up tyre. Cycled another mile but no good.  Then I remembered the Quick Release lever was too stiff for me to release to repair. I was by now in the worst part on the track, between Paisley/Glasgow, remote wood, underpass. Not the best. I decided to walk out then thought 'Oh just keep walking' so walked the next 6/7 miles to my sisters house. On the plus side it was still daylight and it was a scenic walk mostly through Pollock Park.  At sisters repaired puncture then cycled back the next day to Arran over Fenick Moor.  Poured the whole way with a strong headwind. This route was in a worse state than the previous day, due to the bad weather, and I was sure I would get another puncture, but no.  Had a great cycle and I thoroughly enjoyed it - felt fit and strong. Maybe my training is paying off at last.  Ferry sailed OK and when I got home put on new tyres that I have bought for America Schwalbe Marathon Supreme 700x32. They get a good write up so time will tell. All good practice and experience

Two Late Additions

We have another two cyclists joining us. Johnathon Min from New York, and Dee Griffin from San Diego. So we are now eleven plus two leaders.  Dave and Sean ( two leaders ) are bombarding us with loads of useful information clothing, tyres, equipment, training.  You name it, they are there with a wealth of experience and knowledge.  There is so much to think of and prepare when you are going away for 2 months, loads of little things - like who will have birthdays when I am away, buy present and wrap. Feel I have most of my equipment now - just to get sleeping bag and mat - but I know what I want.  We will be experiencing temps from freezing to 100.F 

Info about Trip and Fellow Cyclists

Received detailed info about trip and news of fellow cyclists.  Looks a fascinating group 4 USA, 1 Norway, 2 NZ, 1 England and me plus 2 leaders.  Info would put the fear of death into you -  significant climbs, long stretches with no services, high mileage, long hills, extreme temps from freezing to 100'F, storms , high winds and so on.  All this sounds very familiar, just like Arran, so I should be fine. Dave Points , one of the leaders, has been in touch and he sounds a safe pair of hands. Very experienced with many cycling and hiking tours.  He has cycled the Southern Tier 4 times.  We are all starting to contact with each other so should be interesting.

Trip Paid / Flights Booked.

All coming together now.  Booked my flights yesterday - fly 8th March from Glas/Lon/San Diego return Orl/Lon/Glas on 10th May.  Have paid the balance of the trip to ACA so that is it - no turning back. Weather has suddenly improved too as though to say ' ok lets be kinder to her now that she is def going'.

Travel Insurance

Tonight bought Travel Insurance via the Cycle Touring Club of which I am a member.   Had a problem at first as they wouldn't insure me for Personal Accident or Public Liability Eh!!!  Felt I couldn't go to USA without cover for both so the e mails flew back and forth.  Eventually they agreed full cover and waived the additional premium they had been asking.   Result.  Time is flying in, so much to do.

SUN at last but for one day only.



Whitefarland, Isle of Arran

Great cycle yesterday. Still windy but the SUN was shining and what a difference it made. Battling against the wind then turned a corner at Whitefarland and the above scene of tranquility appeared, makes it all worthwhile. Cycled 45 miles over the Boguille to Lochranza then down to Blackwaterfoot and back over the String.  It is the first run I really felt the benefit of my training, 2700 ft climbing and I could have cycled on.  Felt fit and full of energy.  Today, wet and windy again, surprise,surprise, but went out and did another 25 miles, 900ft climbing.  Felt great, no aches and pains. Also walked to the village with the grandchildren.   Must try and do more though,  think it is still not enough.