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Less than a week to go and I'm starting to feel some pre trip anxiety. Can I really manage with carrying 40 some pounds? What if I have to walk up every hill? What if my legs turn to jello before the end of the days ride? What if ive packed all the wrong stuff? What if I end up hating fully loads touring after having invested so much in equipment and time?
Most of these "what ifs" are not based on any reality but they still enter my mind and today those feelings are quite strong. But I went out early this morning, before it got too hot, just to test everything out one more time. I weighed everything, loaded up the bike and went to test myself on a few hills.
Total weight: rear panniers 13 pounds each, front panniers 7 pounds each, handlebar bag 4.3 pounds, tent fly and shoes strapped on the back rack 2.8 pounds for a total of 47.2 pounds which includes the weight of the panniers. I would like to get it down a bit more but I don't know what I can leave behind.
Anyway I went for a spin with all this stuff hanging off my bike and did just fine. This bike takes the load easily and I can slog up those hills slowly but steadily. So my confidence is somewhat restored.
The photo is of Mary and I at the Tour de Whatcom last weekend. We successfully completed 105 miles - not kilometers. It was a great ride, somewhat challenging simply because of the distance, beautiful scenery. if anyone wants to do this ride next year I recommend it.
- comments
Mary Anne Hi Bike buddy, This morning I felt the same way.....We are strong......we trained.........it will be great......so what if we walk up the hills, we can see more. "No what Ifs!!" "THE ONLY THING THAT TRUMPS FEAR IS REGRET"
shan Way to go gals, be safe and have fun. it was nice we got see you both take off yesterday, love shan