Welcome to the blog about our bike trip!

Pat and I are going to spend another summer on a grand adventure together!! This time on wheels instead of on foot. We are going to ride bicycles from Boston, MA to Portland, OR, Atlantic to Pacific. I have heard that biking in this direction is "uphill and against the wind", but that kinda describes us well, doesn't it? We are giving ourselves three months to do it and hope to be done sometime in mid-August. From what I have read, this should be a pretty slow pace and we will have plenty of time for sight-seeing. Along the way we plan to visit family, friends, local fairs and festivals, the world's largest whatever, national landmarks, and a few yoga classes. There will probably be a lot of illegal camping too. And I'd like to see a buffalo.

The route is only generally planned out. We plan to ask folks for directions, recommendations, and tips as we travel. Make it up as we go. Wing it! The basic approach is . . . . maps are for wimps!!

(If you want to check out our blog from last summer's thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail then click here: http://www.outontheat.blogspot.com/)

There is a lot more gear required for this trip! It feels as though the list of things I need is really long. Last summer I just stuffed a few things in a backpack, got a lift to the trailhead, and started walking. This year I had to buy a bike, bike bags, racks to attach those bags to the bikes, spare parts, ship everything to Boston, and plan some of those fun things we want to do along the ride. At this point, that thru-hike of the AT seems simple. Here's hoping for sunny days and light traffic!

I think one thing that will be easier is resupplying food. Since we will be biking on roads, we should pass grocery stores and restaurants frequently and be able to get to them quickly. And fewer pairs of socks that dry more quickly. Very important.

Last summer I looked forward to that moment about 30 minutes into the day's hike when my feet went numb and I couldn't feel the pain anymore. This time I know I will be waiting for my bum to be numb. I am also going to need a lot of sunscreen.

I know there is a steep learning curve for an adventure like this one. Neither of us has ever taken an overnight trip with a bicycle, let alone a three-month one. But I also know that once we start pedaling everything will work itself out. I might be a little nuts since I know I am supposed to be anxious, but, right now, thinking about the many unknowns for this bike trip is just really exciting!!