A Cranking Odyssey could be described as a cry for help as we navigate our way through a mid-life crisis, but in reality, it is just an excuse to escape the monotony of day-to-day work life for 2 months, be outdoors in the fresh air almost 24 / 7, spend some (hopefully) quality time with the other half, use our legs to transport us around America under our own steam and continue to test our theory that the world looks better on two wheels.
Steve and I have kitted ourselves out with Novara Safari touring bikes from REI complete with Ortlieb Classic waterproof rear back panniers (keen to see how they hold up in our first rain shower) and Sea to Summit dry bags for the top of our rear racks.
Packed gear weight is approx 16-18 kg per person.
The plan is to follow the Transamerica Trail starting from Astoria on the Oregon Coast as far as Fairplay in Colorado, with the option to make our route more challenging by climbing the mountain passes of the Rocky Mountain National Parks on the Great Parks South route to Poncha Springs, then follow the Western Express across to Cedar City in Utah - a total of approx. 2,800 miles.
What are these routes you ask?
Well, the Adventure Cycling Association has mapped out a complete network of bicycle routes throughout America, making the planning for a testing endeavour such as this sooo much easier. We'll be travelling old school, relying solely on their hard copy maps (with the occasional sly glance at our Iphones when needed).
Our friend, Katie, is accompanying us from the start of the trip until the end of August. I'm not quite sure if she realises just exactly what she has gotten herself into, agreeing to embark on this journey with a couple of bickering, married Aussies; but she'll find out soon enough, I'm sure!
If all goes to plan, we'll start our ride on 3 August 2014, so check back closer to this date for more updates.
My mission for this adventure, should I choose to accept it, is to try my best to keep this blog up-to-date whilst on the road. No promises!
Testing out the load around the country roads of Double Lake / Coldspring, TX.
The touring bikes handle pretty nice and as stable as can be with the extra weight.
Will have to come up with amazing comments to keep you checking into your own blog! :-) Gooooo Mandy and Steve! Have a fantabulous time!
ReplyDeleteLol, knowing me I will be good for the first 2 weeks and then it will all go to water.
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