Well I have been having a good time since Thanksgiving. A great Christmas here in Tucson. All children and Grandchildren  in Texas and New Mexico are doing well.  I was able to pack on another 9 lbs of stored energy(fat) from great  cookies, breads, and large meals. More the incentive to get going, and also to reduce my first few days mileage expectations.

I have a lot more detailed planning for the rest of the journey. More detailed map routes saved on ‘www.ridewithgps.com’  papamikefox maps.  There are 18 segments laid out.

Some of the equipment changes are dropping the trailer and adding rear pannier bags. Cut the 8’X8 tent bottom ground cloth and made an envelop bag that will hold the air mattress and sleeping bag, when I am not using the tent. More of the pocket pita bread approach rather than the rolled tortilla method.

The new rear Panniers - This will hold everything plus a little too much

The Pita Pocket Bread

Lots of Zip lock bags for labels and storage

A great new little bike shop on the east side of Tucson where I got some great help and ordered a spare tire to carry with me.

Ben's' Bike Shop 7431 S. Houghton Rd, Tucson, az

Ben Chandler the owner knows bike stuff. The shop has only been open for a couple of months. He was able to get the right spare tire in time to leave on Monday, Even when I ordered it the day before Christmas. Ben Also got the specs on my chain so I can just call and order one and have it sent to me. My guess is late March in New Mexico or even northern Az. when I start the leg up to Alaska from the Gulf of Mexico.
Ben’s Web site under construction is http://www.bensbikestucson.com.