Pain Freaks cycling tour 08

[Pain Freak]

Well, ticket is purchased, bike ships next week and family is picking me up at the airport to give me a ride to the coast. I'll be starting in WA and then riding into OR. I plan on staying in Astoria, OR for the night and then start my tour south. I still have a few more small items to purchase but for the most part I'm ready to go.

Total miles if I don't get lost (yeah, right) and I don't take to many detours is going to be 1422 miles total. I plan on riding between 60 to 100 miles everyday except when I get to Big Sur. I love the beauty of that place so much I can't see myself peddeling through, so I'll stop there for a day and maybe Santa Cruz or SF. I'm in no hurry. This is a non planned tour in the sense that I don't have a set intenerary. I just have 20 days to get home. Some people have mentioned that they would like to jump in for part of the ride and I'll have my cell with me so if they do, we can hook up.

My plan is to ride and camp 3 to 4 days at a time and then try to hotel it once in awhile. State campgrounds have to furnish hikers or bikers with a spot if we come in under human power so it shouldn't be to difficult to find places to sleep, plus I'm pretty good at sleeping in alleys from my drinking days thats still is in my memory

Food...well, I've got 9 days of the freeze dried stuff, but I'll be buying grub along the way too. I'm not really trying to do this on the cheap, but I want to have no stress trying to find a place to eat.

Gear...This is a little heavy but I've talked to some who say it's about right. At present my total bike and gear have hit 81 pounds. I think I may be sending some stuff back but I'm going to go with everything as it is for now. I have a lot of ultra light stuff, but not all. I bought a cheap sleeping bag from Walmart and it only weighs 3 pounds. If it doesn't work out well, I'll donate it and find a REI or something similar and buy a better bag. Tent is in the same status, cheap and lightweight.

If all goes well my next tour will be across this big ol country of ours.

[ericfoltz]

Get rid of the tent and get a gortex bivy sack and a light plastic tarp. It will save you some weight.

With the mist near the coast, you're going to end up hauling a wet tent every day.

[MTBMaven]

Best of luck dude. What the exact dates? I would have loved to have spent some time with you out there. However South Africa is going to be pretty cool. Be safe, have fun, may the wind be at your back, keep the rubber side down, and God speed my friend!!!! Oh and take lots of pictures and keep a journal.

[Burner]

yeah Mike, I hope you're bringing a camera on this ride

(and a gps might not be a bad idea )

it sounds great!

[OMR]

Have fun & be careful... and have fun, but be careful and have fun.. Oh you know what I men!

[sheclimbs]

Sounds like a wonderful trip Mikey. I'm looking forward to hearing all about it. Ride safe and enjoy the time away.

[grandpa]

Good luck Mike! Should be a great adventure

[dirtmistress]

Way to go Mike. I just saw a guy on PCH in Malibu today.
He was pulled over so I pulled over in the FedEX van to tell him about the PCH re-asphalting taking place and where he could hop onto the bike path quickly.
He was coming down from Washington. He was an older guy. I think he said he'd left May 5th but had stayed with friends. He was on to San Diego.
How wonderful for you!! Be safe and have a blast.
I agree you might want a heavier bag. That may be your most important piece of equipment aside from the bike and the tent. Can't afford to freeze or get wet.
The 2nd year we toured France, we got a bit bigger tent. A pound more but the larger size was worth it!!
I'll be thinking of you! Unless I forget!!
Cheers

[ArrrKelly]

Sounds like a great adventure! Good Luck!

[xhuskr]

you'll do great and I can't wait to hear your stories....will you be logging on from internet cafes to keep us all posted?

[Shannon]

Mike, just sent you a PM. We're in Morro Bay along the Central Coast. Our door is open should you decide to pedal up our driveway for a home cooked meal, hot shower and warm bed. We'd love to have ya.

[maxwell]

Mike, you're the freak'n MAN!!

I really think this is gonna be one of those things that I'll never get to do.

Good times to ya PAIN FREAK!!

[VTVic]

You're my hero Mikey. Can't wait to see your pics and hear about your journey. Be safe out there.

[Impy]

WOW what an awesome trip! I can hardly wait to see your pictures, and hear your tips on gear. I'd absolutely love to do this one day.

[dstepper]

Enjoy your trip Mike. I hope you are coming down Mattole Road (Ferndale thru Honeydew back to 101) the "Lost Coast" be sure to ride with a tie died shirt on, many friendlys living in that stretch of the country. Time has stopped in that section of California.

Dean

[new2mtb]

Good luck mike! be safe !

[PacMan]

Sounds pretty sweet Mike. You didn't mention how much the laptop weighs--you know the one you need to bring for the daily ride reports?? Ya, that one.

Have fun, be safe and take lot's of pics.