Training has begun to Benecia on the Bridge to Bridge

The training has begun for our ride across the USA.  The above photo is from our 70+ mile bridge to bridge ride today. See our smiling faces? We are excited and will train from now until April 1, 2016.  We will embark on this journey from the Bay Area if the weather permits or head down to San Diego to start the 4,000+ mile ride on April 1, 2016 .

We have been talking to friends and family with the usual concerns and a bunch of support for this epic ride.  We know our ability to ride and know our limits.  In fact, we have ridden several multi-day rides from San Ramon To Monterey, Yosemite, Lake Tahoe and San Diego.  Also, we have ridden from San Francisco to Santa Monica for the Aids Foundation.  We have ridden from Truckee, California to Crater Lake Oregon and from Astoria Oregon to the Bay Area.   We know that if we train almost everyday we will be in great shape to do this, even at our ages; Mark 57 and Terry 66.

Another important preparation for the ride is all of the stuff we will need along the way. We have a list of everything from tires, brake pads, extra tubes, CO2 cartridges, lube, tools, spokes, extra bike lights, panniers (saddle bags), handle bar bags, butt butter, rain gear, first aid gear, duct tape, and all sorts of clothing for cold, heat, rain, snow, camping gear (just in case), on-bike nutrition supplements and water.  All of this is in addition to the usual stuff needed for any trip.    

Luckily Carol, my wife, will be driving the SUV as a service vehicle for us.  That is a big deal because we will not need to carry everything on our bikes. We plan to be somewhat self supportive during the day by carrying essentials in the bags on the bikes. This will enable Carol to check into hotels and do some sight seeing along the way.

Oh yes, the bikes.  Mark and I have 2 bikes each. We have carbon low weight bikes that we ride all the time around the bay area and for shorter multi-day trips that are supported by a spouse, a friend or the  charity that is managing the ride.  Also, we have touring bikes that are more sturdy and can carry the panniers and some light luggage. We will take the touring bikes. Those will receive new tires and a tune up before leaving that will include checking chains, cables, brakes, derailleurs, and so on.

With all the above said we are doing this ride in partnership with The Lazarex Cancer Foundation who will help us and will receive the funds that everyone will donate for cancer research and the care of late stage cancer patients.  Their website is here.  To donate in support of our ride go to our website by clicking here.  TERRY AND MARK OUT RIDING CANCER.

Your donations mean the world to us and will be appreciated by both of us and all the people that will benefit from your kindness.

Thank you so very much for reading this and donating to support our trip.