The Dream

Last night I dreamed I already had my new bike and that I was riding it around the neighborhood, and to Champaign, and to Lake Evergreen. I imagined I was on Route 9, on my way to Purdue, with friends riding alongside me in cars and in bikes, and we were all taking video blogs and doing voice-activated tweeting, and the sun was shining and my hair was blowing in the breeze (as if it were long!), and smiles were all around. It was a pretty ridiculous commercial going in my head, and I ate it up.

It also made me realize that cycling can, but doesn’t have to be, a solitary thing. And that’s important for me to realize mainly because I don’t like not being good at whatever I do, which is why I often don’t like new group activities, especially ones I have no control over or little expertise in. But, on this trip, while there could be others (and may, in fact, make for a better adventure if there are) it’s still up to me to get there.

The Budget

Today, I made a cycle-buying budget. This weekend I struggled to make sense of the need to buy a dishwasher with the need to buy a bike. The dishwasher felt “necessary” for home maintenance while, in my good protestant upbringing, the bike felt “superfluous.” But it didn’t take long for me to realize how silly that kind of thinking is. This goal isn’t a whim. The decision to buy both, if I can, isn’t a rationalization to spend money I shouldn’t. It’s an agreement with myself to make this trip happen, barring any unforeseen circumstances. And I’m happy to report that my budget says I can do it (thanks to some speaking engagements this year — bonus that I get to talk about my research and teaching!).

The List

When I went to the bike shop on Saturday afternoon, I asked Caryn to help me make a list of everything I’d need to make this trip, assuming I didn’t have to carry much gear and that there would be folks to carry it for me (which I have). Here is the list, with approximate prices. I include the prices not to whine about the cost (which I admit I have been doing for the last week), but to offer it as a rough estimate for anyone else interested in taking on this kind of journey. And also to document my knowledge, even in small increments, as I learn more and get closer to “take-off.”

Globe's Haul, the bike I'm considering buying for my long haul to C&W (see link for citation & review)

• touring bike: $450-700
• shoes and pedals (the kind that lock together): $100
• bike shorts w/padded ass (hehe): $50
• bike capris w/padded ass (hehe): $75 (since the ride is two days and it may be cold in May)
• cute little skort to wear instead of the bike shorts w/padded ass: priceless.
• short-sleeve top with UV: $80 (I bought this on sale for $40. It was my first purchase
• wicking socks: ?? (I have to find nonbinding ones…)
• vented windbreaker w/UV: $80
• water bottles (polar ones, 24oz each, refillable): $10 each –> $20
• cages for water bottles: $7 each –> $14
• trainer (for riding my bike indoors before it gets warm enough outdoors): $180
• helmet: $40
• UV protection underhat: $20
• lights (two, detachable “frogs”): $30-40
• inner tubes: $5 each –> $10
• EMT kit: $40 (or just the tool: $20)

This is the list we came up with based on buying the Haul (pictured above), which already comes with front and back lights, a rack for gear/paniers (which I already have), kickstand, and a bell. Because bells are important. Total? ~$1300 (based on the Haul as the bike I get). That’s about the same I spent on a trip abroad last fall, and this adventure will be equally as memorable, and with equally important, albeit different, long-term advantages. The things in italics are things that I may put off buying unless I can’t borrow them or decide I really really need them. I’m not convinced about the shoes/pedals, but I’m sure someone will tell me otherwise. If I’ve left anything off that other riders know they couldn’t do without on a 100-mile trek, please let me know. Oh, I already have gloves and paniers.

I’m so giddy!! I really can’t wait. A *million* thanks to Caryn (and Scott and Carlton) for helping me make the list. I needed that sense of cohesion to get my head around this project.