The Set Up

   

A sweet pic from the side of my bike.  
Notice the Brooks saddle, and the
 stunning yellow panniers.  Enough
 space to put my life in for the next
 few months!  With a grand total 
of 2441 cubic inches

I'm still looking for Bike Names!  The red bags in the front are Andrew's, they add great color to the bike.

So over the last couple of weeks I have managed to get the bike into operating status.  I was able to get the derailleur hanger fixed on my bike.  I took it to a shop and a guy was able to straighten it out, said it was good to go.  Also I was able to get the shifting cables and brake cables all set up later last week.  And finally yesterday I set up my panniers and the front rack, both items were donated for the trip by Andrew J thanks man! One thing I have noticed in the process of the trip is the amount of people who are willing to help make this happen.  Whether that is helping with the research, helping to find items for the trip, lending items, setting up the bike, or just the willingness to share their experience about bikes; it seems that many people are willing to go out of their way to make this a reality.  I have appreciated the support and the help through these times of preparation.  It has given me a time to reflect on the people who have come into my life, whether that be a short time or a long time, and the impression they have left on me.  This is going to be one hell of a trip.

Derailed but not Deterred.

The master bikes man

  So today is what I am considering the first step to my trip across the US.  It was the third day the UPS man attempted to deliver my bike, and he was successful...I was home.  I rushed over to my buddies Mikes place to put it together.  Once there we started assembling the bike.  The bike was gorgeous! A smooth blue so soothing to the eyes.  But wait...there were a few parts missing...and then we discovered the rear derailleur was bent during shipping. So sad news Bike number 1 is going back and I have to wait for bike number 2 to come!  On a plus not, the Brooks saddle looks great with the blue on the bike.  I'm getting excited to start this trip.  Over the next few months I will start creating my systems for my bike tour.  I will keep you updated.

The box...Still need to come up with a name for the bike.

The saddle that will cushion my butt the entire trip!