Preparations

Physically I prepared myself on my road bike and during the cold winter months at home riding it on a stationary indoor home trainer which was the perfect workout partner to train for sprints to intervals to all-day cruising. I accumulated a total of 1'600miles (2'500km) of preparation.

It took me some time to study the maps I purchased from the Adventure Cycling Association (ACA). My planned route is covered by 12 map sections, where a map section is a sheet of waterproof paper foldable in multiple ways so as to reveal any of a dozen or more map panels, each strip covering 30-40miles (50-60 km) of the route and having narratives for cyclists travelling in either direction with place names, turns, and distances in both miles and km. The reverse side of the map section has historical and geographical notes as well as information about services along the way, including emergency numbers, bike shops and accommodation options. Addenda detailing changes since the map section was last revised may be downloaded from the ACA website and touring cyclists are encouraged to report new ones (click here to learn more).

Also available free from the ACA website are waypoint files for GPS receivers. However, for me this was not an option as it turned out to be easier to use the Garmin connect link, which allowed me to design my own stages by still respecting the original trail laid out in the 12 map sections.  This way the entire route is now loaded on my Garmin Edge 810 which in addition will provide me statistical data such as distance, time, avg. speed, elevation gain, calories, avg. temperature etc.

Once started on my journey, I will write a blog post every day and publish it to the internet when I get an opportunity. Sometimes there may be a gap of several days before the next post appears. That will reflect my inability to find an internet connection in the mainly rural areas through which I will be travelling. My departure date is now only a view days away.