I have about a week to go before beginning my journey and I have already been tested on my patience, ability to resolve problems, and keep a positive view in the face of adversity. Just before leaving Bozeman I decided to upgrade to the premium touring tire from Germany. At a significant cost, I hope they are all they are stated to be (20,000 miles or more, nearly puncture proof). At that same time I decided to purchase some new tubes, and went with the same Schwalbe tubes to match the tires. Their reputation would lend one to think all their products are perfect. Anyway, two weeks and 3 flat tires later (2 new tubes) I finally uncovered the issue: faulty valve stems. I was about to write the whole trip off because it was obvious the Gods did not want me to succeed. Turned out to be a loose connection on their stems (presta inserts on shrader valves). The bike shop that helped determine the issue had never encountered such a thing before, which all goes to make me feel a little better about the scenario. Now down to the last 6 days before starting the ride, and everything seems to be coming together nicely. I just need to figure out how to deal with the anxiety and nerves about the whole thing and I should be good to go.
Roads Unwound Project
Pinche pinches! (That means effing flats in Spanish…or at least in my version of Spanish…which I suppose you won’t be using for a long stretch yet…unless there are some Spanish speaking folks in the Alaskan bush you might encounter.) Never doubt what the Gods have in store for you! Surely it is greatness and adventure! Chin up, mi amigo. Chin up.
GOOOOOOOOOO Justin! It’s going to be a blast and you are going to be stoked! We’re all thinking about you down here in the Bozone.
I’ll tell ya how you can get over all that anxiety and stress, sounds like you need a little release and it is time to go fishing. Even if it is just for a bit and it really doesn’t matter if you catch the prettiest fish in the river, its all about your surroundings.
Anyways, hope things start coming together more smoothly for ya and after drinking my fill of Leine’s back in the midwest, I am down to the last couple in the fridge. Looks like it is back to Oly’s and Ranier for a while.
Take care and pedal hard.
Patrick
Justin-
Sickbird. I hate tubes, but what can you do? I’m glad to hear that things are getting going… See you in Seattle.
-Max