Trip 1: Entry 13 - Kingston; thoughts

Got here this morning at 10:30, with my bike in a car. My cold entrenched and I didn't want to push my luck before the wedding. Seems in keeping with the rest of the trip. My bike computer showed 2,730 kms to Trenton, though I'm sure it reads a percent or two on the high side.

I can't say that things went as well as I had hoped on this training trip, but I can honestly say that that is a good thing. I never thought this undertaking would be a piece of cake, but these setbacks will put me in a more realistic state of mind for the record attempt. On a bright note, my legs seemed to hold up well to the rigors of daily abuse. Towards the end it appeared as though the saddle sores became more manageable and were somewhat healing despite less than ideal conditions for this.

I know that the record ride will be a more serious event and that my stubborn streak will kick in to propel me through some of the harder days. The past three weeks have been humbling and I have little doubt now that the record attempt will be the hardest thing I've ever done. I have to believe that my luck must turn where winds are concerned. Further research has shown that the trend is for lighter winds in July from somewhat more favourable quadrants in some regions I'll pass through. But you never know what you'll get until the time.

The bike preformed well and I'm loooking forward to having an even lighter equipment set for the big one and more favourable gearing for the big hills of British Columbia and northern Ontario. Warmer conditions will allow me to take less clothing and in turn I will need to make hydration a constant priority. I will endeavour to camp with showers at least every second night and to take steps to reduce the chances of baterial problems. I will take two new pairs of riding shorts.

At this time I anticipate doing a bit more training/testing before setting out by riding from Calgary to Vancouver. What's an extra 1,200 kms at this point? For now a start date from there to St. John's will likely fall around the 18th of June.

This web page will be further enhanced for the coming trip. A scalable map will be included that will plot my progress. With the hectic pace and long days, I may need to rely more on phoned in updates, but will try to have
something in every day. Leading up to the start I hope that some media will start to be involved. Please spread the word to anyone who might have an interest in this!

Thanks to all the well wishers. I never feel completely alone on the road and will channel your postive thoughts into each pedal stroke in the coming rides.