Practice Run

I was lucky to have nice weather on my weekend shake-down ride. I usually try to go to the San Juan Islands for a couple of nights but this year I only had time for a quick overnight to Vashon Island. I rode from Bremerton to Port Orchard then along the water to Southworth where I caught the Southworth/Vashon ferry.

I pitched my tent at the AYH Ranch Hostel. This place is a hidden gem. It has a “Wild West” theme complete with Teepees, covered wagons, cabins, a big fire pit and a wide open field. Typically, there are people here from all over the world, but on Friday night, I was the only one here. It was perfect. Being alone offered me the solitude I needed to hunker down and get my brain around this trip. I weeded out what is essential and what is “luxury” (but hard to give up).

This will be my most difficult terrain ride to date. I will be off road most of the time climbing and descending steep mountains. Now a days, people who do this ride are “bike-packing” which means carrying very little, riding mostly on mountain bikes with shocks and huge knobby tires (4inch). I, on the other hand, am riding my steel, unforgiving touring bike with Schwalbe Mondial 2in. tires. This simply means that my internal organs may be rearranged over the course of the ride. I got “used to” that over the many long miles of washboard in Bolivia and Northern Argentina.

Gear

Many riders don’t carry a stove and rely on energy bars and cold canned food. They eat a proper meal at cafes and restaurants along the route. Heck no. I’m bringing my Jetboil. I love my morning coffee and hot oatmeal (which I only eat in the great outdoors). Some people don’t even use a full-on tent but rather a thin rain tarp overhead if need be. I’m willing to pare down, but I’m not willing to be miserable. So, that’s the fine line I’m trying to establish.

What I decided after this weekend is that I won’t take my glorious two man MSR hubba hubba NX tent, but rather my MSR Free-lite (which I bought several years ago and never used). This tent always felt claustrophobic. My plan was to sell it, but it never sold. Now I’m thankful. It’s less fancy and spacious, but also about a pound lighter. I guess I’ll overcome my claustrophobia for the sake of weight. I’m also not taking thermal long Johns or extra riding pants. Instead, and, ya, this is luxurious, I will take pajama bottom/rest day sweat pants just to feel human and get out of bike clothes. Bad idea? Maybe. On top of that, I’m bringing a smaller hike/bike towel, less gadgets, and fewer toiletries. I’m still trying to decide between two pairs of underwear or three.

This I know…

When it’s a nice morning, I can dink around in camp forever.

I love to sit with my morning coffee and just listen to the birds and observe nature. It’s better than any T.V. Show.

You need a lot less stuff than you think you need.

Your deepest truths come bubbling up to the surface in silence- unplugged from the constant noise all around us.

Instant coffee tastes better outdoors.

It’s smart to take your tent down and let the footprint dry off while eating breakfast to save time getting out of camp. I always forget this. I just want to eat.

And, of course, start your day off well hydrated. That’s just good advice everyday.

On Saturday, June 26th, I’m taking the train from Seattle to Whitefish, Montana. I will meet my friend, Dana, and together we will get a ride to the border to start the adventure. As of this post, the border with Canada is still closed. The rest is a crap shoot.