Back last November in 2014, I finished up my first R12 with a Lunch at Nick's, where we saw Ken on his way down as we were on our return. Dieter finishes his 2nd R12, too, with that ride. I bought the medal and had it before Thanksgiving Dinner to show off to the guests. Then just two days ago, I saw my name in the award listings for the first time for completing it. Dieter had a [2] after his name, presumably to show that was his second.
Then Christmas in Kapaa, Kauai, Hawaii. Nice and pleasant, good people and very mild weather.
Then back to the grindstone, and more planning for the Cape Flattery to Quoddy Point, West to East post-retirement ride from the furthest points West and East on the CONUS. Got all the routes I'd planned based on state bike maps, google maps, and maps.bing (to find dirt roads) onto RideWithGPS as routes, except Maine, where the traffic volume information is far to granular to digest easily. In a small town, they have 3 or 4 traffic count spots. I was just working out a plan, then March rolled around.
Looking around at Surley Disk Truckers, I landed on Joe Bike's website where they have them discounted during this month. Spend a Saturday (a rainy one) testing out 54cm and 56cm frames. Both of them had the problem of my hitting my knee on the bar end shifter levers. I didn't have that problem when I took a short ride on a 58cm, but the stand over height is less than I'm used to. The stretch of my torso is more comfortable, so that's what I have since ordered. It'll come with a hub dynamo and a USB in the cap of the steer tube. An aluminum rear rack, and fenders. I opted to not get the B&M headlight, as Dieter or others in Europe may be able to pick it up in Euros. The taillight would be blocked by the Burley Travoy I'd discovered in February. I decided to order that for the same price, but get 10% back next year with the REI rebate. The Travoy's maiden trip was to bring it to work, and I'm looking forward to going home (or Free Geek) with it, too. Tare weight is 10lb and capacity is 60lb, so that beats using the suitcase on a Bike Friday. I figure I can mount the Dinotte on the Travoy to augment the two reflectors it already has.
Another oportunity was to upgrade the WM membership to have three housekeeping tokens.
Am looking at total cost for the 91 nights we have used, so far.
About to wrap it up for now.
