While I wasn't on a bike during my vacation, it was still a time of preparation. I got lots of exercise (at least two hours of walking each day). And the hike up the road each day to the hotel (a 20 minute uphill workout) was definitely challenging. The four hour horse back riding also made me appreciate my biking shorts.
But now that I am back, the real preparations begin. This involves a variety of aspects. First, there is the physical challenge of getting prepared to ride over six thousand kms. My aim to get in shape is two fold. For the next ten weeks, I will ride inside on the trainer and try to do 1000 kms. After that I will follow the outdoor schedule provided by Sea to Sea. This ten week training chart has daily and weekly goals, slowly increasing the workout. By the time this is done, I will have done another 1700 kms. Of course, I'll have to find some real hills to practice on. Hopefully, this will get me physically ready.
The second challenge is to be able to handle the mechanical aspects of biking, from changing a tire, to fixing minor problems. As an email sent to riders yesterday reminded me, this is an important part of a successful trip. But for those who know me, I have very little mechanical skills. As a result, this too will be a big learning curve. But I shall learn to change a tire!
The third challenge is to raise the necessary funds. It's an aspect that is necessary, but won't be my favourite part of the trip. A collection is being arranged for the Williamsburg CRC and I will soon be sending out letters to other churches. I am grateful for those who have already donated to the cause. Thank you very much. An easy way to donate is via the Sea to Sea website and look for my name (John Noordhof).
In all of this, I wish to thank everyone for their support, as together we cycle to end poverty.
