Prepping for a trip is always a busy time for me because I leave everything for the last minute. I'm great at it, but days are full of errands and the business of organizing for many months away from home (home here meaning America, for lack of a more specific residence). The reality of course is that the best trips are the ones that have most of the planning saved for the moments when a decision really needs to be made. In the case of this trip that means route, food, lodging, etc.; nothing important, but things that need to be taken care of at some point.
This journey, my most ambitious cycle tour yet, begins in Managua, Nicaragua and will hopefully carry me down deep into the Andes of Peru. My path will cross Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. I am in no rush and am more interested in exploration than speed or distance. Both of those attributes can be nice in a bike tour; more miles equals more country seen and experiences had, but speed also encourages blindness to culture,
In past tours, specifically last year's ride from Los Angles to the tip of Baja, I found myself slave to paved roads, but this time I refuse to remain tied to asphalt. I've beefed up my wheels in anticipation of riding in more rural areas.
My flight leaves in about six hours, and I am scheduled to arrive in Managua around 10AM tomorrow morning. I am excited but also nervous to be doing this trip alone. I know the feeling though: the anticipation of lonliness mixed with the joy of adventure. In past trips the lonliness is just a forethought and never a reality. I hope to be blessed with good company along my ride, be it gringo cyclists or inviting locals.
Seeing as how nobody knows that I have a blog (I always thought they were for dorks) it would be odd to say "Stay tuned for updates!" because there isn't anyone tuned in to begin with... But I'll say it for my sake
Stay tuned!
Jeff
Oh yeah, that sexy creamsicle of a bike in the main page picture is my custom steel CircleA bike, but alas, it remains in the basement of my parents house in NY. All of me wants to take it on this trip but it is just too nice (wouldn't want to go chipping the paint now would I). Instead I am using my beat to shit aluminum green machine, my first touring bike: a trusted friend and great travelling companion.
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Hi Jeff - I'm not sure what changed between our conversation last night and the creation of your blog but I am so excited to follow your trip! I don't think blogs are for dorks, but that probably just means I am one :)
ReplyDeleteHope you had a good flight(s) and the first day of your adventure is going well. I can't wait for your next update.
Love,
Les
I used to think blogging was for dorks until someone convinced me that it was a powerful way to share information. Glad you got there and best wishes for the amazing journey. Keep on blogging.
ReplyDeleteHi Jeff,
ReplyDeleteAs always, I love reading about your adventures. Best of luck!
-Josh
Good luck, Mr. Coyote. Keep us posted on your adventures!
ReplyDeleteyay!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you set this up! I was just telling Jacqui last night that I am going to be wondering about you for months--now I don't have to wonder:) Last weekend was awesome, and I am so glad we got to spend time together before you took off for this amazing journey. Have fun and keep updating!!
Love you,
*L
Jeff,could you please hold down the excitement! Enjoy the food and beverage but hang on to your stuff. Marty
ReplyDeleteJeff, Now that I know the end of the story, I could read your tale (or "tail?")laughing out loud. If you've seen your cousin Jacob's recent pictures you'll realize you have a whole family of dorks. Can't wait to read about your next adventure. Auntie Harriet
ReplyDelete