Biking in the Time of Coronavirus

I’m ready for another adventure. Despite the state of affairs in the world today, I’ve decided to go for it. On a bike, physically and socially distancing is not a stretch. Unfortunately, I can’t count on staying with Warmshowers hosts or couch-surfing like in the past, but I’ll make up for that in my new amazingly spacious and super waterproof MSR Hubba Hubba 2 man NX (a birthday gift from a dear old friend).

New Year, New Gear

I was very spoiled this year. Along with a new tent, I was also gifted a new extra wide sleep pad. This is basically like having a king-sized bed in your tent. Overkill? Maybe?

Seriously, after long-ass days in the saddle, I want the luxury suite at night. No more balancing in the middle of a narrow pad or clutching the sides. I want to spread out and take up space.

This is getting embarrassing: I got a new selfie-stick to take photos of something other than just my head with a bike in the back ground. Soon, you will see if that actually works.

I placed a trial photo below. Clearly, need to work on my style and patience. Ugh!

Destination

Oh ya, I guess you are probably curious about where I’m going. Nothing is set in stone but here are my two ideas: Ride to Sandpoint, ID or ride a loop trail around the northwest side of Washington State.

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Both options start in Bremerton and go to Port Townsend, Whidbey Island and the San Juans. Both go east on Highway 20 to Ross Lake, Winthrop and Twist. At Kettle Fall on the Columbia River that’s where I’ll stop to decide my next move. One option is to continue on to Sandpoint, Idaho and take a train back to Seattle and the second option is to follow the Columbia River south towards George and Vantage and then head back west either on Hyw 2 towards Leavenworth or take 410 that weaves around the backside of Mt. Rainier. Route 1 is about 550 miles and Route 2 is about 850 miles so the determining factor is time and energy. We’ll see. Both are great options.

I asked my buddy, Dana, in Wisconsin, if he wanted to join me this summer, but he actually crossed Washington State last summer when I went north to the Arctic. So, I decided at the last minute to put it on “crazyguyonabike” to see if anyone out there was up for an adventure. As it turns out, a gentleman from Colorado answered the call. I’m happy to report that Rudy will be joining me.

Zoom Preso

On another note…I gave a zoom presentation hosted by “Bike Works” on my bike trip last summer to the Arctic Ocean. If you are interested in watching the recorded version you can watch it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tccA1AHvnDg

Grateful

As always, I know that I am privileged to be healthy enough to do this bike touring. I know that I’m privileged to have a work schedule that allows me the time off and the economical means to make it work. This privilege is never lost on me. I’m excited about this seismic shift that is coming in equality of opportunity and access to resources. My hope is that everyone who wants to can feel safe and be empowered by the simple yet revolutionary bicycle.