Over the past couple weeks we've really been getting into a lot of cycling stuff. Before, we (I, at least) were more the kind of people who liked to go on bike rides and ride to class, but didn't really know anything more about cycling in the 'real world' (Annamaria knows how to work on bikes and I know vaguely how to change a flat). But we've been reading up on some of this stuff and it's gotten us super pumped! Not to say that we aren't intimidated; there is so much gear to have and know about, and frankly, the cycling community is enormous.
Luckily, our Bike&Build route has its own website which has so far been incredibly entertaining and helpful. Who knew that going on a 15-20 mile ride without eating on the way would be bad for you? Would anyone have guessed that wearing spandex and cycling for 8 hours a day would create issues with your 'saddle area'? And wait... I really don't want saddlesores.* So the four fearless leaders of our B&B trip created this website to help us all with the transition from non-continuous-cycling life to continuous-cycling life (Thank you, fearless leaders!). You know when you're walking toward someone directly in your path, and neither one of you knows which one is going to move? That's kind of how some of their tips feel, because sometimes it's more like "Some people think this is good, but others think that is good. Just try them both." so you're kind of back where you started. But all in all, it's a lot of really great information! Annamaria and I didn't really know where to run first.
But we decided on our LBS (local bike shop). Like Annamaria said in her last post, the bike shop right across from Stony Brook said they would give us a gear discount! Once we get back from Spring Break we'll pick up the most needed gear and be ready and rolling (ha) in no time! Another thing we'll be able to do is start our sweat equity, which is our time volunteering at a local affordable housing construction site. Sweat equity gets us to the point where we won't feel out of place on a build site when we join people across America on build sites (good idea, eh?).
Also, we have been getting more exposed to some of the cycling magazines and websites out there, which only make us more excited. A new magazine started earlier in March, called Bunyan Velo, which is available to read free online. While only one issue has so far been published, it's enough to make Annamaria and I head out on our bikes for who knows where with a sleeping bag and some food. The entire issue is dedicated to stories of cyclists who have gotten on their bikes to go wherever the wind takes them. These cyclists write about their trips through Mexico, around the Great Lakes, or simply their love of winter riding.
So basically, we are super pumped for everything that's happened so far, and we would like to send our super big thanks to everyone who has donated to our cause so far! If you haven't donated (or even if you have) and find that you've got some extra cash, we would be extremely grateful if you chose to give to affordable housing through either of us (Annamaria or Kathryn)!
* Everybody should know all of these things.
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