Bygone Bicyclist

So I’ve been avoiding an update because my bike was at the platers. Under the pretense of worst possible chance, I figured I’d wait to get it back before continuing posts. Today I got it back, and I must say – stunning! All that’s left now is to make the baggage mounts and I’m good to go. I have the plans and materials set aside for it, however, I’ve been sick the last few days. Purchasing for the trip is nearly done. A few more articles of clothing and the final leg dehydrated foods are left still. Rapid updates are on the works now that I have the bike back and functional.

As for the trip, plans have changed slightly. I’ll be kicking off the trip from San Francisco on April 22, the same date and place Thomas Stevens left to be the first person to cycle across the US (and around the world). Original plans had me leaving in early May, but part of me wanted to leave on the 22nd. I found a train ticket to the Bay Area and will be arriving there on the 18th. A few days around there and then I will embark northward. Heading north on PCH isn’t ideal for a few reasons, but it is the best I can do considering the terms. Headwinds plague the northbound Shoreline Highway, and when traveling north you are on the ‘mountain’ side (southbound gets the shore side). All that said, I’m still incredibly excited to get back on the road, as well as see all my West Coast friends.

… in many ways.

As the trip nears, I continue my regiment of tour journals, cycling forums and reminiscing over past trips. Last night I decided it was time to clean and grease the machine, so I tore it apart to do so. After getting it apart, I came to a conclusion that something needed to be for it. Much paint has chipped off over the years, and it is clearly showing now. Luckily, as the family runs a Corvette restoration shop, I happen to know a plater! Today I glass-beaded (much like sand-blasting, but with glass sand) every piece of the disassembled bike and took it to our platers. Much to my surprise, the ‘head’ of the cycle is stamped for Kennedy – who wants that covered up anyway! He tells me Saturday I will see my friend once more, in a new, shinier nickel finish. I’m terrifically excited.

The constant downpour has tried to put a hamper on my planning, but I won’t allow such a thing. As each day closes, the desire to get back out there grows more. I want once more to be the bird that can fly anywhere, and decides to do so.