So I was supposed to be on my way...

I've had some friends e-mail me asking how my bike trip is going. Sadly, it hasn't gone anywhere yet. I had set a departure date, May 1st, but then I was visiting some friends in Philly in mid-April and my bike was stolen. Yep, the bike that I had bought about a month before to go on the tour was gone. No insurance to cover it. That was next on my list of things to do. Now I know better.

I waited a week, contemplating my options and hoping that my bike would miraculously show up at a pawn shop (I called all of them.), at a bike shop (called or visited them), on ebay or craigslist (any from NYC down to DC that I checked constantly.) or from someone who had bought my bike off the street for way too little money. If you happen upon a lovely olive color Surly Long Haul Trucker 52cm with 26 inch wheels, check out the serial number (on the bottom of the bottom bracket). If it's M9043218, it's mine! Grab it and don't let go!

I didn't get it back. Plan 2: get a new bike went into action. I took my friend Bob up on his offer of a bike he built for himself (He works for Bilenky.) and was trying to sell. Luckily, I fit the same size bikes that he does. Bob gave me a great deal and I am happy to have a bike that Bob built. It's purty! Golden yellow with fuschia racks.



I'm getting close to departing. Having no deadlines nor time constraints and being able to stay at my mom's house (Thanks Mom!) has made it relaxing to get ready. Plus I've been a bit scattered. But I'm rearing to go, especially as the weather has turned toward summer and my threshold for suburbia passed long ago.

A rough map of my planned bicycle route...It is subject to change. Any suggestions are welcome. First major city: Pittsburgh!


View Rough Map of Bicycle Route in a larger map

Major points: DC Area, Pittsburgh, Athens, Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, Minneapolis, Badlands, Black Hills, Denver, Laramie, Glacier National Park, West Coast (including San Juan Islands, Seattle, Olympia, Portland, the Redwoods)