For the last several weeks, the training has begun. Rob and I have taken to the road, each time a little further. We've acquired almost everything we'll need for when we travel, which is a great feeling of accomplishment. We've had a few bouts of packing practice, from which we've gleaned enough to know the bags and racks we'll be needing in total. Amazon has been a huge help in gathering our supplies. Kento is very pleased that we've ordered him a nearly endless stream of playhouses. Next step was getting Rob a new passport. His was near expiring... and he didn't quite resemble the man he once was. The difference 9 years can make. Training involves going a mile or more further every time we bike. Around our fourth or fifth time out, in the rain, I got a flat. Riding bikes in Florida is a mixed bag. On one hand you have generally lovely weather and decent roads. On the other you have some of the absolute worst drivers I've encountered and a mentality of year round construction, so there's no reason to worry about cleaning the roads. At least we're learning new things. Our first one way trip landed us at my parent's place in Orlando proper. Our travelling owls got a nice little practice run for the real thing. It won't be long and our trips out will include wild camping practice. It isn't all work, however. We took a little time out of our day to go and celebrate some birthday magic and experience Ripley's Believe it or Not, where Rob made a new best friend. I had never been to one before, but after watching the show regularly as a child I can honestly say I was not disappointed. |
So far, we've only biked 150 miles. By first half of April, we should be at 3,000, and before the year is out we'll have biked right around 10,000 miles. We've only just begun!