Today seems like a good time to begin my Bike Blog in anticipation of my departure from Pensacola on Monday, April 6. I have been training really hard for this adventure, hitting the gym three times a week to build up my strength and endurance and riding my bike as often and as far as possible. With the shorter winter days, I haven’t been able to get many rides in during the week, but I am taking at least one 100-mile ride each weekend.This past Saturday, the weather was perfect for a ride to Atmore. There was a bit of a head wind heading out, but the tail wind coming back cut my time in half. I was able to complete the 101 mile round trip in 6 ½ hours. I am convinced that I have finally found the perfect saddle for me (a Selle Italia Flite). Even after these long rides, I am not terribly uncomfortable and by the next day I am ready to ride again.
As a part of my training I am running the Double Bridge Run this weekend, the Pensacola Half Marathon next weekend, and the Seaside Half Marathon on March 1. All this training in advance will hopefully pay off on the trek to Canada – I want to be able to enjoy the ride without worrying about aches and pains.
You will notice that this is a true blog, with a comments section for you to post your own thoughts about this adventure. Between now and April 6, I will be posting a few times a week. During the actual trek, I will be posting daily commentaries as well as regularly uploading photos of the places I will be visiting. I have a smart phone and a solar charger for it, so communicating should be a breeze.
Remember that this adventure is another experiment in extreme fundraising. We hope to duplicate the success of Walking the Blue Highways. You can make that happen by pledging on line. I am using my own time and resources to cover all of the expenses of the trip, so 100% of your contribution will go toward supporting your favorite programs on WUWF. Thanks in advance for your support.
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12 comments:
Glad to see you back on the road! Bring back some Maple Syrup from Canada!
Where are you gonna carry your spare tires?
Are you going to send back video while you travel? I think that would be a great educational tool.
Can't wait to start following your progress ! Praying for strength and safety.
Good luck on your most recent adventure. I fully expect one day to hear that you will hike/swim/bike around the world on behalf of public radio. My kids are saving money to sponsor your adventure and my wife and I will gladly match every dollar they earn. You make us proud to be a part of the WUWF Family!
This is an anonymous test message.
Radio Fan,
They actually make bike tires that fold up pretty compactly and can be packed in a saddle bag. I'll be carrying one spare set and several tubes - judging from my experience in training for the trip, I'll be changing lots of tubes!
Jay Jeff,
I do have the ability to send back brief video clips via my smart phone, so I may give it a try. I will be shooting lots of stills with my digital camera and uploading them daily.
Hi Jane,
Thanks for the thoughts & prayers. I am ready to roll!
Williams Family,
Thank you for your support. This is a real grass roots effort to keep public radio alive and well, and you certainly seem to get it. We are blessed to have you as a part of the WUWF family.
Pat don't come home just yet. Annie has been set free, but the owner has just burned YOUR house down. He got the idea (somehow) that you were to blame for all this. That idea has quickly spread. Armed guards are now protecting the radio station.
Lower Palafox is in flames, "Wanted" posters of you (not a bad picture) are everywhere and vigilantes are watching the airport and bus station.
Freedom of speech still exists in Pensacola, but I wouldn't come back just yet. We'll keep you posted.
John and Annie
Hi Pat,
Albert and I just realized how close you are to Fredonia. Will you be passing through? Do you need a place to stay? Do you need food?? :-)
Give us a call, 716-672-7668. Hope to see you,
Laura Johnson
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