Sunday, November 21, 2010

Preparing for a Self-Supported Bicycle Tour

Have you ever dreamed of doing a multi-day self-supported bicycle tour, but weren't sure how to get organized to do it? A couple members of the Century Cycles staff are planning just such an adventure, and you can follow along here as they get ready, or you can even join them!

Photo: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cabot_trail_coast.jpg
There are three people committed to the trip so far; they are looking for up to two additional people. They are planning to do a ride of about 3 weeks long, about 800-900 miles total, in the northern part of Nova Scotia, including the 180-mile Cabot Trail and Cape Breton Highlands, in late summer of 2011.

The current tentative plan for the group is to drive to Toronto, and then take a train up through Montreal and then to Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Tour Participants:

Krista - age: mid 40's, occupation: Century Cycles staff in Rocky River, bike: Waterford touring bike

Neil - age: 61, semi-retired, part-time Century Cycles staff in Medina, bike: Raleigh Clubman

Len - age: 59, retired, MetroParks volunteer, bike: Surly Cross-Check

The group hopes to get some indoor trainer miles in this winter, and then do test-rides with their bikes and gear throughout next season. Krista is handling planning the trip and route maps. One resource that she's found helpful is a book entitled "The Nova Scotia Bicycle Book."

The group has selected their tents, but are still working on selecting other touring and camping gear, such as sleeping pads, panniers, repair kits, and clothing.

Check back here for updates as the groups completes more of their preparations! If you're interested in joining the tour, contact Krista in the Century Cycles store in Rocky River.

2 comments:

  1. check out the Big Agnes insulated air core pads. Light and comfortable. You'll never go back to a self inflating foam pad. The three minutes it takes to inflate is a small price to pay for day after day comfort. Pair it with a Big Agnes bag and you'll never slide off.

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  2. You absolutely have to cycle the southern shore, too! Mindy Kuth and I did a leisurely 3 day ride on a route suggested by Pedal and Sea Adventures which was spectacular. Pedal and Sea is based in Halifax and they were super helpful and really friendly.

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