Training

And yes, I win everytime!

Toying With A Route Through Europe

I'm giving myself 5ish months to get to Turkey from Ireland. Then fly to India to meet up with my parents. An estimate using Google Earth is about 8,000 or so Kilometers (5,000 miles)Any thoughts on the route?

Gear List

*This list is from the first attempt. It will be updated eventually--a lot will stay the same.

Here is the list of gear that I have as of now. For such a long trip, no doubt things will change. I don't know how much all of this weighs and to be honest, I'm a little afraid to find out. What I don't know won't hurt me...right? :)

Clothes:
2 Pair Cycling Shorts
1 Pair Board/Swimming Shorts
1 Wool Long Underwear
1 Wool Ibex Long Sleeve Shirt
1 Wool Icebreaker Short Sleeve Shirt
1 Columbia Titanium Short Sleeve Shirt
1 Columbia Titanium Convertible Pants
2 Pair Wool Socks
1 Showers Pass Touring Rain Jacket w/ Hood
1 Pair Rain Pants
2 Pair Cycling Gloves (Fingerless, Med. Full-fingered)
1 Pair Merino Wool Boxer Shorts
1 Cap
1 Balaclava
1 Helmet
1 Pair of Sunglasses
1 G-Shock Watch
1 Pair Neoprene Cycling Booties
1 Pair Shimano Cycling Sandals
1 Pair Mt. Bike Cycling Shoes


Camping:
1 The North Face Tadpole Tent
1 Marmot Atom Sleeping Bag
1 Thermolite Reactor Sleeping Bag Liner
1 Big Anges Insulated Air Core Sleep Pad
1 MSR Whisperlite Internationale Stove
1 Evernew Titanium Cook Pot
1 Titanium Cup
1 Titanium Spork
1 Coffee Press
1 Fuel Bottle
2 Stainless Steel Water Bottles
1 Katadyn Pocket Water Purifier
1 Bottle of Water Purification Tablets
1 Head Lamp
1 Quick dry Towel

Tools:
1 Small Leatherman
1 Long 6mm Hex Wrench (For Stem)
1 Force Wrench Multi Tool
1 HyperCracker Cassette Tool
1 Master Link
1 Patch Kit
1 Spoke Tool
1 Chain Tool
4 Spare Spokes (2 Drive side, 2 Non-drive side)
Spare Kool Stop Brake Pads (Enough To Replace all once.)
Lube

Other:
1 Tooth Brush
1 First Aid Kit
1 Small Roll Duct Tape
1 Pack of Zip Ties
1 Journal/Pen
Deodorant
Soap
Shampoo
Floss
Sunscreen
Passport
Id
Overseas Indian Citizen Card
Immunization Card
Book
Maps
ATM/Debit Card
Credit Card (Emergency)
Bill of Sale for Bike

Electronics:
1 Canon XT Digital Camera
2 Rechargeable Batteries
2 Lenses 28-55, 75-300
2 2 GB Memory Card
1 Card Reader/USB Cable
Set of Outlet Adapters
1 40 GB Ipod w/ charger
1 Electric Beard Trimmer w/charger (To cut my Hair as well)

Edit May 2, 2007:
After some consideration. I've decided to not take the Ipod, but instead I will bring along a Shortwave radio (Sony's ICF-SW35 Digital Tuning World Band Receiver)that runs off of AA batteries.

I Write, Therefore I Am

I rang up a friend that publishes a regional journal, BOOTLEG MAGAZINE monthly, and asked him what he thought about me writing an article for upcoming issues about my trip. I told him I could send it to him while on the road, along with some photos. He dug the idea and it’s a go. I’m excited about doing this because it will keep me writing; I sort of need the motivation and deadlines at times. For those of you who didn’t know, I’ll be graduating with a MFA in Creative Writing this semester from UNCW. My concentration is in fiction but others consider me a poet as well, I guess I do too. And now, with this opportunity, I will try my hand at non-fiction/travel writing. I think another good thing about the article will be that it might turn people on to the idea of bicycle touring or maybe just riding bicycles in general. Cycling is great exercise, doesn’t take gasoline, saves you money, is the most efficient means of transportation and is just plain fun. And at the very least, I hope people will be entertained and that in turn will help BOOTLEG MAGAZINE monthly. The first installment will be next month. So if you are in or around Southeastern North Carolina pick up a copy or visit his website and leave a message saying you want the magazine in your town.

I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane...

Flight booked! I'm leaving May 21, 2007 from Raleigh/Durham to Shannon, Ireland. Current state of mind: Ohmygod, Ohmygod, Ohmygod, Ohmygod....