Thirty-eight years ago as we began our married life, we cycled out of Strafford, Vermont and began a year-long bicycling adventure traveling around the world. (The photo is from Nepal.) Then came another wonderful adventure -- children and careers. With children on their own and our careers behind us, we entered the next chapter, again with a bicycle adventure. That one was more modest, train trips across the country and five weeks on bikes from Los Angeles, CA to Portland, OR; but it greeted us with we good riding, great sights, and interesting people.

After two bicycle trips on the west coast, we tried something different. With an old dog along for the ride and a camper in the bed of the pickup, we set off for the desert southwest exploring national parks, enjoying daily cycling, and even playing a little golf.

In Spring, 2017, we decided on an international adventure. We landed in Lisbon, Portugal and rode a loop through Portugal and Spain and back to Lisbon. Once again, seeing the sights, meeting people, and pedaling 1600 miles were wonderful!

In March 2018 we left Maine after a big snow storm and headed to North Carolina for some warmth - we didn't find it. We went further south to SC - still didn't find it! But we did discover new places to cycle and explore!

It is now August 2023, kids are married with families of their own (five wonderful grandchildren) and we are off on another adventure! Our first stop will be Lily Bay State Park on August 13, then head north and west, across Canada and into Alaska driving and camping with bikes and a canoe. Here is the family, though missing Miles' wife, Baily.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

The Equipment


Again, for those who are interested in such things, a little information about our equipment and what we carry.  Anne and I both ride Trek bicycles.  Anne's is a cyclocross bike intended for both on and off road use.  It functions well as a touring bike.  Mine is the Trek 520 -- a tried and true touring bike that is a bit on the heavy side, but durable, comfortable, and reliable.  Anne and I were fortunate to be given a professional bike fitting by Dick Bartlett, at Kingdom Bikes in Blue Hill (http://www.kingdombikesbluehill.com/ )this winter. 


 

We made numerous adjustments to the set-up of our bikes and expect to be even more comfortable and efficient than we were previously.  The biggest change for me is new high tech ergonomic pedals, with no cage or cleat.  For the first time in my adult cycling life I won't be locked into the pedals.  This will enable me to wear regular running shoes.  For a slight compromise in efficiency, I can carry less stuff and be a bit more comfortable.
  I hope I will be pleased.  Anne's big changes are shorter cranks on her pedals and a lower granny gear.

We each have a front pack for items we use frequently during the day.  We have two rear panniers.  In one we each carry our own clothes.  In the other I carry the tent, a thermorest and camp chair.  Anne carries a sleeping bag, which we open to cover us both while we each sleep in a light weight sleep sack, her own thermorest and camp chair, and the cooking equipment -- a little stove and  couple of pots.  I think we are well under 40 pounds a piece.

For navigation we use Adventure Cycling maps.  They have researched bike-friendly routes all across the country.  We are using their Pacific Coast and Southern Tier maps.  The details and directions are fabulous.  The roads have bike lanes or shoulders wherever possible.  There is info about markets, lodging, camping, bike shops, history, and sights to see.  There is also the intimidating elevation chart -- I sometimes wonder if it would be better not knowing!






There, that's probably more than anyone cared to know.  But, if you have questions about the trip you'd like answered, let us know.
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