The bikes are complete now, yet untested. It has been about 5 months since Christine and I have ridden outside, a very long cold winter, we're light weights when it comes to the cold. Only nine weeks until we set off. I know from first hand experience what it is like to ride when not in fit condition. I injured my calf muscle on the Cycle North Carolina spring 2009 ride in Washington, NC and was not able to ride for 8 weeks, unable to train for our upcoming Adventure Cycle Association Washington State tour (slideshow). I went with very little training for this 500 mile 7 day supported tour. It included a 110 mile century that crossed the Cascade Mountains over Washington Pass, a 37 mile ascent of 5-6% grade. Upon reaching the summit we experienced headwinds from 25-35 mph, so strong that we had to pedal on the descent. The day before was a 70 mile day as well as the day after. I shall not comment further other to say at one point I said to Christine, "I'm selling my bike when I get home".
