Departure Date, Training and Other Stuff

In the several weeks since I last posted, I've continued to train, research my route and the equipment I'll use and set the departure date.

The plan is to leave from Muscatine, IA on May 15th. As the date approaches, the reality of what I'm going to do becomes much more real! Training now is up to 2 hours a day, 3 days a week and 3 hours a day, 2 days a week! This month, I will increase that to the above except 1 day a week, 4 hours on the bike.

The outcome of all this is that the physical exercise is good for me, the time spent not physically taxing, except on my seat - what a pain in the backside, but I see that tolerance increases as training continues - and most frustrating, sitting in a solitary location inside trying to keep the mind occupied while the body works!

I'm beginning to accumulate equipment and will go into the bike store later this month to get a lesson or two on bicycle maintenance.

This adventure is beginning to get a life of its own and as time draws closer, my excitement grows. Most friends are encouraging with the biggest hesitation being my safety. Mine too, but from what I read, common sense and a good route will prevent the kinds of risk that could result in an accident.