Almost Go Time

I had such a great time last year doing the Southern Tier C2C bicycle ride that I signed up to do the Northern Tier this year. 

This ride is supported by Cycle America. It is nine weeks long starts in Everett, WA and ends in Gloucester, MA. This year the mileage is 4,300 miles (compared to 3,000 last year) and much more challenging because of all the climbing we will be doing. Unfortunately, climbing Mountains is not really my strong suit but by the end of this trip, I am sure I will be much better at it. 

So, as with most bike trips you have to train. So, I have been training but can honestly say I am far from ready.  Just to put it into prospective, this year we do 600 miles in the first 7 days of riding with almost 27,000 feet of climbing. Last year they started us out more gentle with 465 miles over the first 8 days and only around 12,000 feet of climbing. 

That’s not the only thing that is going to be a little rougher this year. Last year we stayed in hotels and did tent camping.  When we did camp the crew set it all up for us. This year, we are mostly tent camping and are responsible for packing our own tents and putting them up after a long day of riding. 

So, today I started packing and realized I was planning to take way too much.  We are limited to two 40 pound bags. All of my camping gear weighs in at 30 pounds! Here is a breakdown by weight so far:
  • Camping gear: tent, air mattress and pad, sleeping bag, pillow, sheets, tarp, camp chair, light/fan - 30 lbs
  • Extra bike parts: tires, tubes, lube, spokes, chain - 7 lbs
  • Toiletries, towel and misc stuff - 7lbs
  • Cold weather and rain gear - 5 lbs
So as you can see, I haven’t even begun to pack my clothes yet and I’m already at 50 pounds. 

I know it will be a great adventure!  Two of the guys from last year are going to be on this trip as well so it will be nice to know people when I get there. I’m looking forward to visiting so many national parks and seeing so much of the country on my bike. Last year, I did “every final inch (EFI)” on the Southern Route. This year, my plan it to shuttle some especially in those early weeks where I’m still building up my strength!  

So, as I ponder the start of this adventure I think of my Mom as she is my travel angel and is always there to keep me safe. She was a part Irish and proud of it! So here is my prayer for this trip in her honor.  I especially like the wind at your back part!



Here is the schedule - What was I thinking????

Tour Schedule 

Tour Map

At the Airport many thanks to Brian!!!


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