Countdown On!

Welcome to Shifting Gears. This is my first-ever blog post so forgive me in advance. The purpose of this site is to post updates from the road on my upcoming bike trip. The ambitious ride aims to cover all of the lower 48 states, spending at least one night in each. The plan is to start in mid- to late April and finish the journey around Labor Day. There’s a nice 2-week break built in the middle to join the family for a Senior Trip to Europe, and if I’m unlucky enough to not be finished in time, another break just before the end to accompany the last one off to college.

Getting myself to the finish is going to be hard enough, but there are already some hurdles just to get to the start! I found out yesterday that I have a torn hamstring from playing tennis last week. Recovery time is 2-3 months, which basically takes me right to the edge, barring no setbacks.

Over the course of the trip, I hope to write about a wide variety of topics that help me pass the day while I’m riding. Music, food, and people just for starters. I’m also considering a GoPro, but if I do that, I’ll need to find someone willing to sift through hundreds of hours of film for a few minutes of excitement! I’m not new to this, but it’s been 34 years since my last long ride and that was 2 months with 3 other people, not 4 months by myself.

Until next time.