Still in Madison

I bet you are wondering when is she getting on her bike and starting her ride! 

Well, Monday, April 23rd, I loaded all my bags and bike in the car and drove with my dad to La Crosse, WI.  We left Madison just before 10 am and drive the two hours.  After stopping for lunch and visiting a bike shop for a map to cross the Mississippi River, we stopped the car and I loaded up the bike. 

The entire week leading up to this day, I was really worried about overloading the bike.  Well, the worry was justified.  After loading the bike, I got on the bike and road it to the end of the sidewalk.  The bike was slow and sluggish and handled the same way.  My worry ratcheted up significantly.  My dad even commented that the bike looked over loaded. 

I decided that I would return to Madison and re-evaluate all my gear.  My decision not to start was probably a good one.  I felt a lot better going back and re-starting on a later day.  I still have the feeling that I failed.  This may be an attack by Satan's minions to discourage me.  On the drive back to Madison, I had to continuously remind myself that I did not fail, I will just start another day.

Today, I went through all my stuff again.  This time, I kept the mind set that a bike ride from Madison through the Pacific Northwest and then down to Orange, CA where my brother and his family live would be approximately 3,650 miles.  At 10 mph and 6 hours a day riding amounts to 60 days of bike riding, not counting rest days.  This time frame is half the time I've budgeted for. 

So, I  reviewed all my stuff from the standpoint of a two plus month journey and that I can resupply almost anything in many places.  I went through my books, knitting, sleeping kit, and everything else.  I took out quite a few things, but not as much as I expected.  It is amazing the amount of little things that one packs that increase both the weight and bulk. 

I believe I have reduced the weight and bulk of the stuff carried by the bike enough to start the ride.  I strapped everything on and took it out for a test spin.  Actually, I did this several times.  The last time, I was almost able to reach 10 mph on a relatively flat street.  The bike didn't feel too sluggish and rode smoothly. 

Now the plan is to leave early in the morning to get an almost full day ride.  However, God has other plans.  What are they??  Rain and thunderstorms over the entire state of Wisconsin and parts of Minnesota.  Of course, there is rain in the forecast every couple of days over the northern states.  I guess I missed my clear weather window of opportunity.  I really don't want to start the trip in the rain because I will be figuring too many things out to add rain gear and wet, albeit warm, weather.  So, I will be staying in Madison for another day (between storms). If God allows, I will leave on Thursday and then continue to riding through subsequent storms.