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.

Hostel in San Diego Booked

Made contact with 'Joe' who cycled America this year 2011, with the ACA group. He lives near San Diego and has offered to transport me plus bike to the Hostel where I plan to stay. The trip leaves the Hostel, San Diego on Mon 12th March so I will arrive there on the Thursday. This will give me a few days to recover from jetlag and meet fellow travellers. Plans are beginning to be put in place now. Makes it all seem closer

Winter Training in Scotland - Absolutely Miserable

Training is getting harder,  managed 150 miles last week.  The weather has been appalling for anyone never mind a cyclist. Very, very windy and wet.   Still I have cycled  6 days out of 7 and on my rest day last week the wind was 80mph. Fed up putting so many clothes , socks and shoes on. 4 upper layers, 1pair shorts, 1 fleece leggings, 2 pairs socks-1 waterproof, 1 pair shoes and 1 pair overshoes. I keep warm, only my feet getting numb, but I am constantly covered in mud as is the bike. Fed up having to wash and lube it, every time I have been out, when all I want to do is get inside and relax. The joys of training in Scotland in winter.  Hope it all pays off as I don't think I can do anymore

Another Puncture. What is Going On???

Had another puncture, 2nd in a month,  rear wheel this time.  What is happening - I have had no punctures in years and years of cycling over thousands of miles and now 2 in the same month. Can't believe it, anyway I am getting new tyres for America, Foldable Marathon Supreme 700x28. Any comments on these tyres welcome.  Still, this is great practice for me and I managed to change the back tyre (slowly).  Only problem I have is closing the QR lever but that is a matter of strength and correct tension.  Will have to work on it or ask a passing friendly redneck!! 

Wind, Wind,Wind Go Away.

What weather, wet and windy.  What a battle, like cycling straight uphill and so dangerous if a gust catches you. Fed up with it as it is affecting my mileage, have to use exercise bike which I hate. Pounding away on the bike and going nowhere fast. Wish it would get cold and calm. Starting using overshoes and waterproof socks when out.  Feet feel warmer but will reserve judgement until the snow comes then see how warm they are.  Toasty at moment.