Overpacked and Ready to Go!
I’m at the airport with 98 pounds of luggage (so much for packing light — despite all the advice I got, I clearly didn’t listen 🙄). Tomorrow we’ll head to the coast, and I’ll dip my back wheel into the Pacific Ocean in Astoria to officially begin this ride east.
Training officially began in January. Since winter in Michigan isn’t exactly biking weather, most of my early miles were spent on the trainer in the basement, pedaling through snowstorms outside and audiobook after audiobook inside. By late March, I finally made it out on the road for my first outdoor ride — and from that point on, it’s been steady miles (and more miles) ever since.
Thankfully, Trek provides a training plan, and they also recommend working with Vision Quest Coaching (VQ). I took them up on it and can’t say enough good things. My coach, Tom, has been relentlessly encouraging and supportive — keeping me focused, strong, and ready.
But this adventure hasn’t just been about the bike. Strength training has been a huge part of the process too. I’ve been working with Damian (of MHP Coaching in Kalamazoo, with his wife Stacie), who has been my ultimate cheerleader for years. Steve and I call our sessions with him “Lift and Giggle” — because somehow, he pushes us to the next level while keeping us laughing. Stacie, on the other hand, specializes in body work. Her method is basically finding the sorest spot in your body, driving her elbow into it until you want to cry… and then somehow, you leave feeling like a new person. Together, they are quite the team.
I’ve also been working with Justina at Creative Core Pilates, who has this uncanny sixth sense about what your body needs. She even created a movement meditation for me to help unwind after long days in the saddle. And then there’s Veronique at Sanctuary Yoga, whose classes always leave me calm, grounded, and connected to a beautiful community of people.
It’s taken a lot of miles, sweat, laughter, and yes — even some tears — to get to this starting line. I’m incredibly grateful for all the coaches, teachers, and friends who have helped me prepare for what’s ahead.
And just to put it in perspective — the first picture I’m sharing is a summary made by a fellow P2Per of the next 47 days. It’s a lot of riding… but thanks to this training, I feel ready.
Here we go.🚴🚴🚴
