Figure-8 Tour (long)

[MomOnBike]

Zen, you're a treasure. I like the Kickstarter idea, but I'm unsure what talents I have that would make people open their wallets. I'll have to ponder that.

BikerHen, thanks. I don't think I'll be in the NW corner of the country when you go off to Glacier. My daughter will be getting her PhD in a few years (in Seattle) so I'm kind of planning on making her graduation a good destination for that leg. This could change. . .

Thanks all, for offers of beds/showers/riding companions. That is great, and a wonderful way to make the financing of this trip easier.

On the planning front, I'm seriously considering going up the Mississippi starting, um, late spring and chase the spring up the river. I may not chase it far in the 20 days or so that I'll have, but I'll have a blast while I can.

[indysteel]

I'd echo the "you go girl"!

I'm not sure I'd know where to start, but you might find some good resources at www.adventurecycling.org

The only other thing I'd add is that I'd be wary of a trip along the Mississippi in the spring, as I suppose there's always a chance of spring floods.

[MomOnBike]

Well, DH informed me last night that I absolutely could not go on this trip . .








if I didn't blog about it. He was very forceful about the whole thing.

I guess I will blog the trip. (I was planning to, anyway)

As for timing, I'm going to try to hit that ~15 hour period between Spring Floods and Too Hot To Breathe. I'll probably miss.

[out_spokin']

Awesome. Inspiring. Yeah!!!!!!

If you're headed through the Colorado Springs area you have a place to stay, and possibly a temporary riding pal.

As for finances, my best advice is to get some estimates started, set a goal, write it down, and get going! My bank lets you have sub-savings accounts and name them online. Nothing like a "Bike Tour!" account to help motivate you! Any time you get paid, put in some $. Any time you turn down a usual expense (coffee, treat, whatever) in favor of the bike tour, put in that chunk. Tell your family, friends, co-workers about your trip and channel any gift-giving into your goal account. Sell random extra stuff on Craiglist....whatever! Nothing like the power of a dream, with a written goal. Illustrate it with pictures of you and your bike, map sections, tourist photos of where you want to go. Have a blast planning, and better still RIDING!

[Dog]

I would love to ride with you when you get to WA state. Keep us posted!

[MomOnBike]

Thanks, all. I may have mentioned before how much I love the enablers here.

I must warn folk that I'm keeping a list of those who have offered lodging, companionship, etc. I plan on taking you-all up on the offers.

[Biketouringrook]

Ah man, how did I miss this one! That is just so cool! Well, I'm in South Florida (FT. Lauderdale- Miami area), and would love to ride with you to the Keys. Winter time will be very beautiful with amazing weather.