The Journey Begins

Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so… Get on your way!
Dr. Seuss

On Friday, June 14th, I begin a 2,750 mile bike packing adventure along the Continental Divide from Banff, Canada to the Mexican border at Antelope Wells, New Mexico!

Although the “ride” officially starts on Friday, this journey had its beginnings quite a few years ago. Tour Divide had been on my “Private Bucket List” since watching the 2010 documentary “Ride the Divide.” It seemed an unlikely goal since I didn’t think I’d be brave enough to ride it solo, school is generally still in session for the Grand Depart date, and it would require many family sacrifices. But then in spring 2018, Johanna Ficatier asked me to ride it with her, the school calendar was changed to an earlier release date, and my husband Mario generously said, “Do it!”

So, I said “Yes” and Johanna and I started planning and training. I will be riding “Pebbles”, my Salsa Cutthroat, and Johanna will be on her Fargo, “Ryleigh.” We are fortunate to have family, friends, and our cycling community cheering us along as they watch our “spots” on Trackleaders. We will have limited cell service, but whenever I can, I will call Mario and he will update this blog and post on Facebook.

Thank you to all who have ridden with me, given me sound advice, and taught me how to repair and maintain Pebbles. (Special credit/blame to those who introduced me to gravel riding and those who planned the routes that stretched my endurance and caused me to ride in a variety of adverse conditions… You know who you are!)

You can keep track of our journey via Trackleaders: http://trackleaders.com/tourdivide19f.php?fbclid=IwAR1OMHM9xHHdLQYMPYb1Oo6vhyUhs6kWp4DSE-o8uRjKDMlKHkhgHybv2Rs

Or, you can follow my Spot directly: https://tinyurl.com/y4eh9dsk

So, armed with bear spray, Pearson Nut Rolls, & quotes and song suggestions from all of you… let the journey begin!