Hi ho, Hi ho, it's off to work I go....

Another day, and another 46 mile ride round trip to work. However this time, everything did not go as smoothly as in the previous post. As I was riding from work to the diner where I eat everyday something happened to one of the panniers on the rear of my bicycle. Whether it was a hanging strap or the bag itself that caught the spokes I don't know, however what I do know is that a millisecond later the bag was pulled in between the wheel and the rack that was supposed to hold the bag in place, instantly stopping me dead in my tracks (and almost causing me to lose control). However after a short time, I had restored the bag to its original position and was on my way. After a hearty (and unhealthy) lunch, I was back on my way when I heard a noise that sounded like a baseball card in the spokes and all of a sudden I was one bag down. After going back to retrieve the bag, I found the culprit. The original bag incident had bent the rack that holds the bags so that one bag was now positioned precariously close to the wheel. After excercising some carefully measured torque on the rack (Ok, I pulled as hard as I possibly could) everything was back in line and I was on my way home. And then when I was less than a mile from home it happened, I fell. I got caught in a rut moving through stopped traffic and just couldn't get my cleat out of the binding in time. Needless to say, I had a sudden burst of energy and made it home in no time at all. Now I am working out a few modifications to the rack to make sure the bag can never again become entangled in the wheel, I'll let you know how they go.

All Work and No Play....

Rode my bike into work yesterday (46.38 miles round trip). Everything went ok, save for the 2 mile detour I took on US 130. Three lanes with no shoulder and people going by at 70 MPH makes for a bunch of heart attacks. I also learned a few lessons:

1. Wear your rain gear as little as possible or risk a heatstroke.
2. NEVER trust a gas station attendant for help with directions (See US 130 detour above)
3. If you think navigating a traffic circle is fun in a car, try it on a bike, twice.

Time to move on...

This blog will be devoted to my journey across the United States on my bicycle, from Virginia to California. After months of planning and purchasing equipment. My journey officially began last Monday, when I gave notice to my employer that I would be moving on. I have passed the point of no return. Now the training will intensify and my plans will solidify. A bunch of things to wrap up here first before I head out on the road.