I am not a cyclist and I don't cycle regularly. In fact, I have never cycled for more than 70 miles in a single day before and that was a one-off event when I was 17. Now I am twice that age, I have a full-time desk job and I weight more than I should. So you might say that this cross-country bicycle ride is uncharted waters for me. I have a few weeks to prepare before I take off so I have some time to train and I will train hard for this cross-country bicycle trip that will take me from the Capital city to one of the most famous, visited and fascinating wonders in the world: the Gran Canyon. And why cycling? Well, I can think of many reasons but, in a nutshell, I would say because of the sense of freedom, the challenge of pushing my body, and that front row seat on America that only cycling can give me. To me the bicycle is the only option. Not the train, not the car or the motorbike. The bicycle IS the journey. Cycling is physical strain, solitude, passion, obsession, love, frustration. It is fighting, it is loneliness in one of its purest forms. There is no cheating in it. No lying. You can't wing it.
Today my boss approved my vacation and a very generous approval at that -5 weeks!- when I made clear my dream to him he said: "Do you think you have enough time?" to which I embarrassingly quipped "I am not sure". I guess time will tell. So from today I can start thinking about all the necessary steps to get to August 7 in the best possible frame of mind and physical shape. I am reasonably fit so, if well trained and injury free, I am confident that I can handle many hours of cycling every day. I am aware of the physical demands (am I??) and I know that my body and mind will be seriously taxed. I will leave on August 7 and I plan to reach the GC in less than 35 days. I have the ACA maps which outline the route. I will get into that later on.
The bicycle is a Specialized Roubaix Elite C2 2010 Carbon. The crazy thing is that I will not have panniers but I will cycle with a rucksack containing all my things. This includes one change of clothes, a sweater, a rain-proof vest, a few essential tools for the bicycle, 2 spare tubes, maps, a small laptop, a camera, my iPod, a cell phone, sunscreen and toiletries. All my belongings will be on my body. Most people call it stupid; I call it alpine style, the pure style. I will shack it in motels.
Think..think..think..think about the bicycle, the route, the tools, the gear, what to wear, what to leave behind..how to breathe through the nose...think carbohydrates!
From here...
...to there!
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