On Thursday, June 4^th I delivered my bike to FedEx to be shipped to Astoria, Oregon.  If everything goes according to plans it will be waiting for me when I arrive on June 12^th.

I am anxiously awaiting the beginning of this adventure.  Physically I think that I am ready.  Since November, 2014 I have been working out at the YMCA.  I took a spinning and weight training class two times a week with Linda Flues.  She proved to be a godsend and helped to insure that I maintained a decent level of fitness throughout the long winter.  Thanks Linda!! In addition to the spinning classes I did lots of weight training, walking, sit ups, etc.  I even did some running and ran in the local St. Patricks day 5K.  I was able to do my personal best in over 20 years, as it has been that long since I last ran!!  I began riding at the end of March and was able to log 1200 miles to date.  My goal was to get in 1500 miles, but the weather just did not cooperate.  The big story is my weight.  Normally I approach 215#’s in the winter, but thanks to Linda I was able to stay in the vicinity of 208#’s.  Once I was able to get on the bike I began to shed some extra pounds and at this time it looks like I will begin the ride at a surprising 194#’s.  It has been a long time since I reached that number!!  So overall I think that I am ready!!

The ride begins in June 14^th.  We will begin in Oregon and travel through Idaho, Wyoming, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and then take the ferry across Lake Michigan into my home state.  We will be on the road for 37 days and I anticipate my face hurting from smiling so much!  It is going to be awesome.  Once again I am riding with American By Bicycle (http://americabybicycle.com).  I have ridden with this tour company 2 previous times.  In fact they are the only tour company I have ever ridden with.  When I find good people I stick with them, which explains why I have remained married to Leisa for nearly 43 years!!  Like Leisa, they are top notch.

I hope that you are able to follow me on this adventure.  I look forward to sharing my good times with you!