Gravel ride test email post

https://strava.app.link/NksnlwcbJ4

Strava Ride update via mail

Check out my ride on Strava.
https://strava.app.link/wllaHivaJ4

Gravel ride today- testing posting with my phone

It was 40ish degrees and sunny today, so I did a gravel ride from home.  About half the distance of our planned Southern Tier ride days (30 miles vs 60+).  Not much traffic, mostly good roads with a few mud and ice spots, being outside in the sun made it great.  The pastries in South Lyon MI did not hurt either.

https://www.strava.com/activities/3163219750

Southern Tier Gear - what do I think I need

My current packing list - I know it will be updated a few more times so I want to see what changes...

Bike		Camping Gear		Clothing		Food Stocks
Spare Tire		Tent		Rain coat		Coffee 1lb
Spare Tube 2x		Sleeping bag		Fleece		Cliff Bars 6x
Spare front spoke 2x		Air mattress		Biking Socks 6x		Oatmeal
Spare rear spoke 2x		Stove/fuel		Biking shorts 3x		Coffee filters
Chain link 2x		Coffee pot		Biking shirts long 3x		Spice kit
Tool kit		Spoon / bowl		Sun leggings 1x
Lube		Camel back (4 l)		Zip offs 2x
Air pump		Trowel and TP		Shirts 2x
Water bottles 3x		Shave Kit		Shorts 1x (sleeping)		Other
Panniers		First Aid Kit		Shirts 1x (sleeping)		Camera
Handlebar bag		Sunscreen		Camp shoes		Memory cards
Frame bag (repair kit)		Hand sanitizer		Handkerchiefs		Phone
Cycling shoes		Wipes		Sun hat		Charger (2 port)
Bike lock		Rope		Towel		Backup battery 15000mah
Radar		Flashlight		Underwear 7x		Cables
Headlamp		CampSuds				Tripod?
Bungee cords		Day pack				10 foot charger cables
Gloves		3-Way Plug adapter
Helmet		wool gloves (hot pads)
Cold weather gloves		Ear plugs
spare screws		Headlamp
Maps

Southern Tier - Cross Country Bike Ride - Taking the train - Southwestern Chief - to San Diego

After multiple years of talking about biking across the country for my 60th birthday, things have become real.  This week train tickets from Dearborn to San Diego were purchased!  A short train ride from Dearborn to Chicago and then we get on the Southwestern Chief from Chicago to Los Angeles and then a commuter down to San Diego - 56 hours end to end.

Full details on the train ride are here:  https://www.amtrak.com/southwest-chief-train

One of the nice things about the train is we get to take our bikes with ous.

My next step is to figure out exactly what gear I am taking and find panniers that can hold it and a bit more.

I will be riding a Specialized Sequoia and will try to keep my total weight as low as reasonably.

More soon!

Finding balance again - Coming out of darkness

The last two year have been hard, someone who means the world to me was diagnosed with a life altering disease and was very ill for several months.  When I tried to update this blog, only darkness came out of me (and my Mom always said if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything).  I have tried to be positive and enthusiastic for my friend and for all my family and friends while at the same time feeling like I was coming apart at the seams.  Prior to the illness I had planned a Boy Scout trip to Great Smoky Mountain National Park, so one of my big challenges was to be present on the trip and present with my friend.  I am so thankful for the great people in Scouting who are kind and supportive even when they don't know or understand what I am going through.  The trip was good and thanks to modern technology I was also able to be supportive remotely.

Fast forward to now and the illness and all of its issues and costs are still present with my friends life, but he has shown strength, determination and self reliance that I know the burden is not mine nor is it his alone.  He has moved forward in his life and is taking every challenge in stride, I feel his struggle, but it no longer burdens my soul, because I know he is strong.  So now it's time for me to move forward.

Please be kind to everyone you can, you may not know what people are going through.  One kind word may mean the world to them.

Heading to Shenandoah National Park backpacking with Boy Scouts

Tomorrow starts a new adventure!  I am looking forward to backpacking and hiking with friends and fine young men.