Bars and Pitlocks

I got my pitlocks installed today. We also put a longer stem on and turned the bars around. The stem is a bit too long, but I feel like we are heading in the right direction now. I'm going to move the components around a bit and then go back for a slightly shorter stem.

Getting a Late Start

I've been planning this tour for a couple months, but this is the first post to my trip blog. A lot has happened. I got my lovely Long Haul Trucker. I started out on a great training program, but it's been derailed by various health problems, mainly dental and dental-related. Now I'm seriously behind on my training, but I'm hoping I can get back on track and at least be partially prepared. I still have about a month to get in somewhat better shape, now that my dental issues have been resolved, and the antibiotic rash has mostly cleared up.

I went on a two day tour/shakedown cruise from Pasadena to San Diego. It was great, and overall the bike performed really well. I was not in very good shape and really overdid it on the first day. The ride was a great way to pinpoint the things I still need to work on in order to have a successful tour. I have trekking handlebars on my bike and they are not working out very well so far. I think I need a stem with longer reach and the bars need to be turned around. I put cleats in my new bike shoes, but I didn't tighten them enough since I was going to adjust them on the road. That didn't happen and I lost two cleat screws. I need to get my pedals adjusted properly before I go so I don't fuck up my knees.

The camping was great, although my tent was smelly and needs more airing out. I need to figure out my water thingy. I think I'm going to rig a camelbak on the back rack and run a hose up over my back. I don't want to wear the thing on my back, but I like the water there. I'll keep a bottle with some electrolyte replacement beverage in it that I can hit from time to time. I also need to make sure I have plenty of food with me. I didn't eat enough the first day either because I was expecting to find someplace close to the trail to eat, but didn't until evening. A couple of Luna bars was not enough to fuel me.