Everyday Stuff

We've been trying to make it out whenever the weather permits lately, it usually will clear up for a few days and then start dumping again. We have managed to squeeze in some good serious rides, a few days ago we all climbed a six mile hill behind our place that drops into the Nestucca wilderness area, coming down Ryan clocked himself at 40 mph with the trail-a-bike and trailer behind him. A friend of ours that bikes up there often says whenever he gets to the bottom of that one he feels like there should be someone collecting money for the ride sitting there at the end, I knew exactly what he meant.  We make it into Sheridan and back every few days which altogether comes out to be a little over 30 miles. The children are doing great, Sam rides circles around everyone and Lilly plods along steadily in a very focused manner not gabbing and carrying on like the rest of them. Obby and Sam will verbally spar with each other in playful way the whole time, "You ride like my Grandma! Hurry up already!" "Come on, I'm  growing moss on me, can't you move that thing any faster?" on and on between each other. Obby could easily push me into town if I let him, when we work together we are really flying.  Ryan manages to pretty well stay ahead of everybody no problem even though he has had the trailer behind he and Abby on every ride.  Every time we go out I have to struggle with thoughts of just riding on without going back home,  most of the possessions  that make a place seem like a home are gone, we've all been sleeping on the floor for the past month and have pretty much whittled down our belongings to the bare necessities.  Two garage sales and several craigslistings have made quick work of getting rid of everything, including a 50's bus, an old Grumman aluminum bread truck, cargo trailers, tools, etc.  It feels good to be free from all these cares and burdens, seems like every time something sells, it loosens the mind and brings a small feeling of elation.    Most of the things we need for this trip are coming together nicely, a few things are still needed and since we decided on a route farther north than we at first thought, we are probably going to need a few more cold weather items and rain gear.  After several trips to R.E.I.s and bike shops all over Portland and parts of California we've managed to pick up most everything else. Hopefully we set off in the next week.    We had the most lovely send-off BBQ with all the folks here that we love so much, it was miraculously gorgeous and sunny and altogether dreamy. I will miss all these people immensely.  I have got to go before I start crying.

Almost There

Well we are almost there after a month of researching and collecting gear.   We know have 4 bikes, 2 trail-a-bikes, a burley d-lite, a burley nomad, 8 sleeping bags and pads, 3 tents, and misc other gear. We started with adams trail-a-bikes and then realized the burley were far superior.  Now we are still debating our route but leaning towards the transamerican route which will take us through Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and then east.  We have managed to sell almost all of our earthly possessions and downsize to a small bike trailer and panniers.  It has been encouraging to see how many ppl get excited about what we are doing.  We have encountered very little opposition and a lot of sound advice.  The is also a lot of sadness leaving friends that we have grown close to and not knowing when we me see them again.  We are looking forward to the following months.  We hope to grow as a family and learn to work together and bear one anothers burdens. We are also hoping to create memories  that will last a lifetime.

As for training we have been riding at least every other day about 30 miles and things have been going well.  We had a small wreck, but no one was hurt and we learned some valuable skills for our journey.  We hope to be leaving within the week.  Lord willing we will be ready.  We still have a few items to sell, but hopefully they will go quickly.