So, I figured it's about time I start this blogging thing. Anyway, I started this particular blog for one main reason, and that is to update my family and friends on an upcoming bicycle tour I am planning for next summer. Perfect Circles refers to a perfect pedal stroke in cycling. I thought that would be an appropriate title for this. An extended bicycle tour has been a long time coming for me and every day I get more and more excited at the prospect of embarking on one in ten months.
Approximately fifteen years ago, I went on my first tour, a two-week trip with a group of folks in beautiful British Columbia. We traversed Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. I returned and rode that route twice more. The next tour I did came in May of 2005, four years after my last Canadian Bike Trip. I trekked out solo for a 3 week adventure down the Oregon Coast and up through the mountains of Central Oregon. If you were living in Oregon at that time, you know that there was a huge rain storm that defied the laws of weather. Needless to say, I was riding, rather swimming in that mess. But, come hell or high water (literally), I made it through. It is within those challenges that our faith is tested. I figured if I can ride through that, I can ride through anything. Without challenges or circumstances that stretch us, little growth happens and adventures diminish. The following May, when my brother was living in Seattle, WA, I decided to ride up to see him. As I arrived in the Seattle area, I came to the realization that I pushed myself too hard too quick and after a few days of hanging out in the city, had to ride the train back to Salem due to a knew injury. That trip, 7 years ago was to be my last trip...so far.
On May 4th, 2013, I finally purchased a touring bicycle. After getting a job with the school district, I have been mentally planning a tour one summer. But one thing I lacked. I knew if I was going to do a long tour, I would need a new bicycle that would be up for the challenge. Well, my trip would have to wait because I purchased a bike too late. Needless to say I spent many days and weeks this summer riding and breaking in my new bicycle. As long as I stick with the district job, I will have next summer off to do a bicycle tour. I initially was going to head out solo again, but a friend of mine that I lived with in Texas found out about my trip and volunteered himself and his hummer as a support vehicle. I've never had a support vehicle before, so it will be a new experience. Safety in numbers right? Anyways, I am happy to have him along for at least the majority of the trip. There are many places I want to go but for the sake of this first long tour I have decided to travel down the Pacific Coast and hopefully back up through the Sierra Nevadas or there about. We obviously cannot foresee injuries or sickness or inclement weather, but I will have a support vehicle in case anything serious does happen. I am a determined individual and when I set my sights, I want to get there. That being said, if there's no earthquake or tsunami or massive hurricane or terrorist attack, I ought to have a damn good explanation why I would not finish such a trip. However, I do plan to plan my route in stages and leave a proposed rough itinerary with family and/or friends.
If you are reading this and get jealous, it's okay. You have my permission. That being said, if for some reason, you do find yourself with time off and some money to spare, I would love to have you along for all or part of the trip. We'll chat around a campfire and experience many adventures...and dangers along the way. Come on, it'll be fun. If you can ride our your front door and down your drive way, you can do this. Plus, if something happens or if you are too tired to ride, heck, we have a support vehicle. So, no excuses...well, unless you have a job or whatnot... If you live along my route and would be willing to house me for a night or two, let me know. I'd love to catch up. Also, I like meeting new people. Again, safety in numbers, right? If you are not able to join me in this adventure, perhaps you could support me in the financial realm by sending me a few bucks. I do plan to travel fairly cheaply, but I'm not wealthy and a few bucks here and a few bucks there can go a long way. If this interests you, let me know and I will send you my address.
I will have more to say. Alas, I do have more to say, but I will leave that for another blog on another day. But for now, it is time to put this blog to sleep. Until next time my friends, keep those perfect circles rolling...
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