Getting Ready - 10 Days to Go
Another bicycle trip is about to begin. Although I've done several multi-week bicycle tours over the last 10 years, the same questions and concerns always come to the surface about a week before the start date. Am I ready? Am I prepared? Did I pack everything I will need? Am I physically up for this challenge? Is my bike ready for this challenge? Have I planned everything to the best of my ability? So many questions. 40% of me says everything will be just fine. 60% of me is honestly a little worried. 100% of this overthinking will disappear the moment the trip begins and I start grinding the pedals. After that I have a set of milestones to reach: First: every day is a new ride. I know how many miles I have to go and how many feet of elevation I have to climb to reach my stopping point for the day. Second: If I make it to the end of the first 7 days I'll be very encouraged because days 3, 4, 5, and 6 involve crossing several peaks of the Cascade Mountains. Third: Mak...