IT'S ALIVE!

I picked up my Franken-bike this afternoon. Bob did an amazing job on it; it is now the best bike I have ever owned, and I'm prepared to stab anyone who has the intention to steal it. How much did I cough up for the repairs? Let's just say I did my bit to stimulate Vancouver's economy. The next bit of gear required is a pannier and packs, which I’ll probably get from MEC.

My first leg will commence in the beginning of April: Vancouver – Victoria. I’ll be staying with my camping consultant who will oversee my camping gear choice and take me out for a few excursions.

The second leg will be on April 15th: Victoria - Bogachiel State Park

unplanned inception

The idea to cycle to LA was my brother’s.

We were talking on the phone about what I was going to do after my Canadian visa expired. I suggested coming down to LA to finish some odd jobs around his house. He obliged on the condition I help out babysitting his kids in the mornings and evenings when the nanny wasn’t around. He’s a great businessman.

The Adventure Cycling Association has a great site with a suggested route that will skeleton my intended path. Overall, the journey should take about 3 weeks. So far, the biggest detour from the coast is a visit to Crater Lake; the roads to the park should be open by the time I get there, however I will most probably find snow.

Yesterday I bought a “Franken-bike”* from a shady geezer off Craigslist which is currently being pimped by Bob at Sport Junkies. Bob walked to LA several years ago, so he seems very keen to be involved in my project (that, or he’s grateful for the amount of money I’ll be coughing up for his services). The bike is going to be the bollocks once tuned up.
So far I’ve spent $ 275 for the bike. Stay tuned for the…erm tune up costs.

* 2005 Kona Caldera missing a rear disc break with dodgy rear rim, chainrings and freewheel