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| The New Panniers! Axiom Champlain DLX Sooooo Excited. |
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Preparations, As Usual
It's getting to be crunch time--and by crunch time, I mean I have 4 more months til I leave. I have to start training ASAP, but I am waiting on results: I recently went to the Dr. to see if I could have a diagnosis for my knee (and foot, which I even more recently injured). X-rays were taken, and there is a possible MRI in my future if the x-rays don't show anything (which is likely). Once I am given an answer, and [hopefully] have options for rehabilitation of my knee, I'm going to give 'er HELL!
Last year, for training, I started out by doing a few rides that were long distance without any gear. Shortly after, I added about 1/2 of the weight that I'd be carrying. About a month before I left I was carrying books (for school), and other things, so that I was at almost 100% of the weight I'd be hauling. The weight, surprisingly, wasn't all that bad. Yes, I was SLOW: about 12-15 (sometimes 10 mph w/the G-D hills) mph. But, it didn't create muscle soreness or tiredness. It felt like a good workout, and that was it (thankfully!).
This time around, I'm hoping to shrink the amount of things I carry even moreso--and I was at a pretty basic level last time. This year, because of my new panniers and the bungees that are on top of each, I can shuffle my gear a bit and fit more on my rack rather than on my back--which, I think, will help a lot. On my previous trip, I had a stuffed backpack, decently heavy because of water and the need-to-be-close-to-me things, pressing down on me. I noticed more in my "private" area than anywhere else that the added weight on my back was a nuisance. My back muscles didn't really bother me, but it was semi-difficult to look over my shoulder (to check the traffic around me), and it became annoying after awhile.
So, my goal is to eliminate the large backpack and simply hold my small camel back sack and a few light things, i.e. map(s) for the day and money, in it. Being able to check over my shoulder is crucial, and I don't want to impede on, or inhibit, that again.
Downsizing--it'll be hard to do. But, I think I can create a slightly smaller load for this summer's trip.
Last year, for training, I started out by doing a few rides that were long distance without any gear. Shortly after, I added about 1/2 of the weight that I'd be carrying. About a month before I left I was carrying books (for school), and other things, so that I was at almost 100% of the weight I'd be hauling. The weight, surprisingly, wasn't all that bad. Yes, I was SLOW: about 12-15 (sometimes 10 mph w/the G-D hills) mph. But, it didn't create muscle soreness or tiredness. It felt like a good workout, and that was it (thankfully!).
This time around, I'm hoping to shrink the amount of things I carry even moreso--and I was at a pretty basic level last time. This year, because of my new panniers and the bungees that are on top of each, I can shuffle my gear a bit and fit more on my rack rather than on my back--which, I think, will help a lot. On my previous trip, I had a stuffed backpack, decently heavy because of water and the need-to-be-close-to-me things, pressing down on me. I noticed more in my "private" area than anywhere else that the added weight on my back was a nuisance. My back muscles didn't really bother me, but it was semi-difficult to look over my shoulder (to check the traffic around me), and it became annoying after awhile.
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| The large, green/gray/black backpack on top of all of that was on my back. |
Downsizing--it'll be hard to do. But, I think I can create a slightly smaller load for this summer's trip.
To Downsizing! Hip hip HOOOORAY!
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Ramping Up for the Journey
Well, well, well. The preparation, as far as planning, has begun. Many steps have been checked, others, well, I'll get to them soon. Here's where the project stands:
1) Call Dr. to set up appointment for knee--this evening
2) Map out route--tentative one done
I need to make it more concrete, but I'm waiting on #1 to happen first to see what my options are.
3) Choose repertoire--HA! I'll pick the vocal stuff a few weeks before. The instrumental stuff I have to get
cracking on...
4) Create promotional posters (& maybe postcards?)--rough draft done
5) Ask school board if they'll let me host it at the school again--soon
If not, a local business had agreed to let me use their space
6) Get people EXCITED about this--in due time
7) New panniers--JUST SHIPPED and should arrive soon. These are some hardcore bad boys!
http://www.t3multisport.com/images/library/large/axiom_403002_01_12_z.jpg
Normally they're $150, but I got them for $90
8) Bike tune-up & new tires--closer to trip
ETC! Phew! I still have to perform my Master's recital, graduate, sing for a friend's wedding, finish planning this whole shenanigan, organize moving to Minneapolis (happening in September), and so much more! (That sounded like a really bad commercial: it slices, dices, and so much more!)
I've been trying to appreciate everyday that I am still here in Baltimore, since I won't be coming back all that often once I leave. I had initially thought that I should ride no-handed as I leave on my bicycle this summer so that I could flip off this city with both hands, but I won't. This town is just not for me--the crime is disgustingly high and too close for comfort: several classmates have been held-up at gun point, some hurt, etc. It's simply not right. Baltimore, as a city, has a lot to offer in the way of history, architecture, the arts, etc. But, I no longer want to have to constantly look over my shoulder, make sure that I take my dog with me on nighttime walks, and/or fear that I'm going to get mugged while waiting for the JHU shuttle to arrive as I stand less than 100 feet from my grad school. It's RIDICULOUS. Yes, I know that Minneapolis is a city too, but its "hood" is like the baby ghetto out here; I've walked, cycled and driven through it all here and survived, and I'm wiser for the wear. If I can handle Bmore's hood, Minne's should be a walk in the park.
Speaking of journeys, life has been one, and will continue to be one. I've had quite a bit of what some would call "bad" luck this year, but I've learned to view it in a different light. Don't get me wrong, initially I was angry, devastated, embittered, etc., but I've always had a way of dealing with certain situations; I view them as things that I cannot change, so there is no use in crying for too long, or dwelling. Life is about learning, enjoying, and experiencing. None of this can happen in a perfect little bubble, where no one gets hurt, grandpa doesn't die until he's said all of his goodbyes, little Jimmy gets straight A's and studies hard, Rover doesn't ever wander into the street or eat food you've left out--this is called Hollywood or being sheltered, not living. Life is always in motion, ever-changing and evolving. It introduces us to new people, places, and most importantly (I think), IDEAS. I am SO excited about all of the ideas I've had this (and last) year, and even more anxious to share and implement them because, even if altered by others' good input, they will be amazing and really help my hometown.
I've got too much to do...
1) Call Dr. to set up appointment for knee--this evening
2) Map out route--tentative one done
I need to make it more concrete, but I'm waiting on #1 to happen first to see what my options are.
3) Choose repertoire--HA! I'll pick the vocal stuff a few weeks before. The instrumental stuff I have to get
cracking on...
4) Create promotional posters (& maybe postcards?)--rough draft done
5) Ask school board if they'll let me host it at the school again--soon
If not, a local business had agreed to let me use their space
6) Get people EXCITED about this--in due time
7) New panniers--JUST SHIPPED and should arrive soon. These are some hardcore bad boys!
http://www.t3multisport.com/images/library/large/axiom_403002_01_12_z.jpg
Normally they're $150, but I got them for $90
8) Bike tune-up & new tires--closer to trip
ETC! Phew! I still have to perform my Master's recital, graduate, sing for a friend's wedding, finish planning this whole shenanigan, organize moving to Minneapolis (happening in September), and so much more! (That sounded like a really bad commercial: it slices, dices, and so much more!)
I've been trying to appreciate everyday that I am still here in Baltimore, since I won't be coming back all that often once I leave. I had initially thought that I should ride no-handed as I leave on my bicycle this summer so that I could flip off this city with both hands, but I won't. This town is just not for me--the crime is disgustingly high and too close for comfort: several classmates have been held-up at gun point, some hurt, etc. It's simply not right. Baltimore, as a city, has a lot to offer in the way of history, architecture, the arts, etc. But, I no longer want to have to constantly look over my shoulder, make sure that I take my dog with me on nighttime walks, and/or fear that I'm going to get mugged while waiting for the JHU shuttle to arrive as I stand less than 100 feet from my grad school. It's RIDICULOUS. Yes, I know that Minneapolis is a city too, but its "hood" is like the baby ghetto out here; I've walked, cycled and driven through it all here and survived, and I'm wiser for the wear. If I can handle Bmore's hood, Minne's should be a walk in the park.
Speaking of journeys, life has been one, and will continue to be one. I've had quite a bit of what some would call "bad" luck this year, but I've learned to view it in a different light. Don't get me wrong, initially I was angry, devastated, embittered, etc., but I've always had a way of dealing with certain situations; I view them as things that I cannot change, so there is no use in crying for too long, or dwelling. Life is about learning, enjoying, and experiencing. None of this can happen in a perfect little bubble, where no one gets hurt, grandpa doesn't die until he's said all of his goodbyes, little Jimmy gets straight A's and studies hard, Rover doesn't ever wander into the street or eat food you've left out--this is called Hollywood or being sheltered, not living. Life is always in motion, ever-changing and evolving. It introduces us to new people, places, and most importantly (I think), IDEAS. I am SO excited about all of the ideas I've had this (and last) year, and even more anxious to share and implement them because, even if altered by others' good input, they will be amazing and really help my hometown.
I've got too much to do...
Here's to great ideas and planning ahead!
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