The Agonizing Search For The Perfect Bike

After researching nearly every single touring bike manufacturer that the Adventure Cycling Association's 2011 Touring Bike Buying Guide listed, which mind you, is easily 40+ companies, I figured out that only two companies made bikes in my midget-y size of 46cm, in my price range, and with all the features I wanted (steel, disc brakes, 3 connections for water bottle holders, spoke holder, and runs 26" wheels), and only one of those offered a complete bike, which is always cheaper than going custom.  In some ways, this is better.  I love bikes.  Having to put together and build the bike I will be riding for a year or longer is an agonizing decision.  Having fewer choices makes it easier in many ways.

So basically, I had to make a choice between the oh-so-classic Surly Long Haul Trucker (with disc versus cantilever brakes) or the Surly Troll (which could run either or both, but which didn't offer some of the other features).  So I wandered into my local bike shop to chat up some of the mechanics, who love building dream bikes and about 2 hours later, a half dozen jokes about throwing in the $1000 Rohloff hub or a dynohub, had figured out that I should get the Surly Long Haul Trucker with a few upgrades of the stock components to make it bombproof. 

The value of bike geeks excited about helping you build a bike cannot be underestimated.  I learned which things I should upgrade, like the headset, front deraullier, seatpost, and saddle (which I already own), which things can wait, like holding off on replacing the handlebars to see how I like the stock ones, and why its better to go with the Tubus racks instead of the ones Surly designed for the Trucker.  I also learned why its okay to go with mechanical disc brakes instead of cantilever brakes after having offsetting concerns about braking power versus fixability on the road.  Carrying an extra disc and extra disc brake pads weighs very little and I'll appreciate all the braking power I can get in the rain or screaming down the Andes.

Approximate delivery time, mid-March... need to do the following before bike comes:

• Go back to bike shop and wax philosophic about fenders and which Tubus racks to order
• Pull SPDs off full suspension mountain bike and replace with older SPDs, use nice ones for touring bike or consider Ergon pedals

Planning: The Big Picture

Hands down, one of the best resources for bike touring is the website for Travelling Two.  Their survival guides are fantastic and they also provide a wonderful "big picture" planning guide so you don't get overwhelmed all at once trying to make this type of once-in-a-lifetime trip happen.  The good news is that I'm not so off track, that the way I'm doing it, surprise, surprise, is pretty much along the lines of what they had recommended. 

Three Or Four Years Before

• Start saving money (have a goal and a budget): check, well, I already had a pretty hefty savings but I do have a budget to be debt free before I leave.
• Read inspiring books about the journey you want to take: check, this has always been my leisure reading.
• Set a rough departure date: check, well, I had already planned on quitting my job since the moment I got this job... told myself my maximum time would be 5 years to pay off my student loans and then I would be free to do something different, whether it was moving or finding a new job or just walking the earth.

One Year Before (aka, right about now)

• Set a firm departure date:  Check, my lease will end February 24, 2013, and so I will leave Washington D.C. at the latest on February 24, likely in a one-way rented van and drive cross-country to drop off my remaining possessions at my parents house, spend some time with them, and connect with my brother in Seattle who is going to start my trip with me to do some cool jungle-beach camping in Colombia.  I am taking applications for cross-country travel partners who want to drive with me (I'll pay for the van and gas, you pay for your plane ticket back!).  Will consider taking time to really get to see some of small town America along the way.
• Tell friends and family about your plans:  Check, I'm telling everyone except my boss right now.  Ha.
• Research and pick out a bike:  Check, once I get my refund check from the tax man and after I move to my new cheaper rent digs, I'm off to bike shop.  Currently researching different set-ups.
• Start clearing out your stuff:  Check, started last year by selling or giving away over half my worldly possessions.  Now selling anything of worth or that I don't really absolutely need.  Sniffle, goodbye fancy bikes.  Goodbye furniture and kicking bag.

Six to Nine Months Before

• Create a website (if you want one): Check, gotta keep myself accountable even in the planning stages.
• Select the rest of your gear:  Check, created gear list and slowly acquiring looking for used, barter, or good deals.
• Set aside weekends for test runs of your bike and gear
• Research visas you may need en route:  Check, only need a visa for Brazil if I decide to go there.  Will get on trip depending on itinerary.

Three Months Before

• Apply for visas you’ll need early on in your trip
• Visit a doctor and get your vaccinations
• Book flights and renew your passport
• Tell your boss that you’re quitting
• Set up internet banking
• Scan important documents and store them digitally

One Month Before

• Get your bike serviced and pick up any spare parts
• Buy any remaining supplies
• Sell or store any stuff you have left

Just One Week!

• Have a goodbye party
• Pack your bike for the flight
• Try to get some sleep