This past weekend I was able to get in one outdoor ride, around 50km, taking about three hours. The time gave me a better sense of what it’s going to be like next summer, biking double that, everyday. The loop we took is as follows:

I’ve done the loop a few times now and it really is quite beautiful. Our touring bikes are supposed to come any day now (fingers crossed!) Once they come it should be a lot easier to get out and ride, and we’ll need to, especially if we want to get used to the new bikes. The other day my mom and I were talking about our packing lists and how much we are going to be willing to bring (more like how much weight we’re willing to pedal 6,000km.)

Our packing lists, from what we’ve figured out so far, is as follows:

– 2 dry fit shirts

– 3 pairs of wool socks

– 2 pairs of underwear

– 1 pair of bike shorts

– 1 pair of light weight shoes for off the bike

– 1 tooth-brush/toothpaste

-1 deodorant

– 1 bike repair kit

– 1 first aid kit

– 1 possible camera (Please!)

– Phones

– Rain gear

YES! This, unfortunately, is all I would have for over two whole months. The idea is that we wash the dirty clothes in the sink or washing machines at hotels along the way so that we’re never wearing smelly clothing. If something should get too worn out or broken along the way, we would simply just throw it away and get a replacement. As far as blog posts go, I am planning on doing daily posts once we start. For now, they will probably come on more of a weekly basis, unless of course, something terribly exciting happens. Along with blog posts I’ll probably be setting up a Twitter and an Instagram to document the journey through pictures. More on that to come!

As volleyball has now started, I’ve come the realization that managing all of this is going to be no easy task. At the moment I have two-hour practices four times a week, not including games and tournaments (or homework!) But not to worry! I will find a way to do it all whilst maintaining my cycle training.

Below is a picture of Sunday’s ride, enjoy and don’t forget to Donate!