Shifting Gears

SOME END OF TRIP REFLECTIONS For those of you who like numbers, here is a quantitative snapshot to consider: 2,065 miles (vs. 2,035 forecasted) and compared to 2,667 Maine to Florida in 2022, & 2,970 California to Florida in 2021; 104,995’ accumulated elevation gain (sum of Strava counting) vs. 105,780’ forecasted and vs. 70,676’ & 85,070’ past 2 years. (And since we started at sea level in Vancouver and ended at sea level in San Diego, I would guess also 104,995’ of descent,) So as described in the opening blog, the greater climbing total over fewer miles meant much more climbing per day. 56 miles per riding day average, in line with 55 forecasted and happily by design less than past years (72 & 65 averages) 43.2 miles per hour – maximum speed achieved. It was on 10/18 on a long descent, late in the day towards Aptos, CA. On the next day I learned I needed to replace rear brake pads that were shot – yikes. 37 riding days 30 nights in hotels and Airbnb’s. 9 guest rid...