Final preparation for trip

 

Bike shipment

Wednesday 1^st May, 2019

 

T-11 days to start of bike trip

 

Today dropped bikes off at the bike shop for maintenance and shipment to CA.  New chains, Kevlar belted Gaterskin tires and thornproof inner tubes were installed.

 

Sad to see bikes depart as we were hoping for more training in Connecticut, but weather was too cold and rainy.

 

In 2018 we purchased new road bikes and equipment for this trip.  These bikes incorporated the latest high-tech, light-weight components.  The bikes were then custom-fitted for each of us.

 

Bikes- Specialized Roubaix Elite with Future Shock Technology

- light-weight carbon fiber road frame

- weight – approx. 19 lbs.

- 24 speed Shimano 105 11 Speed Drivetrain

- hydraulic disc brakes

- tires: 700 x 28 mm Kevlar belted Gaterskin tires

- custom seats

 

 

 

Choices

Sunday 5^th May, 2019

 

T-7 days to start of bike trip

 

Spent day gathering and sorting biking gear, personal items, food, sunscreen, and casual clothes.  As expected, much more than meets the volume and weight limits  Great effort will be required to fit our gear into 4 duffel bags that collectively weigh less than 60 lbs. plus a disposable suitcase with biking gear.  No easy choices but must eliminate items and will be purchasing more light-weight synthetic fiber wash and wear clothes.

 

 

Spin Class Send-off
Tuesday 7^rd May, 2019

 

 

 

We joined Valley Fitness gym 1 ½ years ago and then a morning spinning class.  Initially we did not appreciate how important our classmates’ encouragement and support but, as our training progressed, they became friends and now have become our some of our greatest fans.

Photos of our last spin class and send-off card.

 

“California Dreamin”

Wednesday 8^rd May, 2019

 

We are off on our adventure.