OK, it's time to fish or cut bait. Last week I did absolutely no biking....too cold. Florida weather is supposed to be warm..Right! Sunday it warmed up and a trio of the local biking group did a 30 mile ride. I took the touring bike and we averaged about 14mph and today I did another 30 mile ride averaging around 16. I've got to get out of the need for speed if I am going to make it across the U.S. on a touring bike. I have more time on road bikes and it's a little hard adjusting to the slower pace of a sightseer. My trek 520 is not fully loaded yet but I ride with Arkel panniers which I think are the best I've seen. If you are looking for ease of operation and fit look to Arkel. They are out of Canada but Hey they're good and I like the blue color. I am narrowing it down to mid-April or beginning May to start the trip. Now if I can decide on east or west I might be able to formulate a plan. As for as the blog, I want to enter something each week until I start the trip and then at least every other day after I start it. That means taking the computer, camera, and all the crap associated with them. More weight! As to the other equipment I am taking that's still in the planning phase. Although, I do have some ButtButter that one member of my biking group gave me.
