After many iterations we have finally decided on the tour route. Today we ordered the maps for the Sedro-Woolley, WA, to Elma, WA section of the Washington Parks ACA route. From Mark’s brother’s townhouse near North Bend, WA, we will travel by bike to Olympia National Park to tour the island section of the Washington Parks sometime in mid-April. After our tour of the forest, we will travel south via the Pacific Coast, or preferably the ACA’s new Sierra Cascades route. We hope to arrive in the Eugene area in early June, or earlier, if the kids allow for longer mileage days.
Archive for March, 2010
The Tour
Posted in Uncategorized on March 26, 2010| Leave a Comment »
Xtracycle Stoker Bar Jury Rig
Posted in Bicycle Lifestyle on March 11, 2010| Leave a Comment »
Eva loves riding on the snap deck of the Xtracycle on our Big Dummies. About a year ago, Mark made a child seat for his snap deck, which unfortunately both of the girls quickly outgrew.
The seat. A 5 pt. harness from an old car seat was attached after this photo
Now that Eva will be 4 (where did the time go?), she can comfortably sit on the deck – so long as she has something to hold onto. Xtracycle sells a ‘stoker bar’ for this purpose, but the last time I checked it was $60! Mark happened to have an extra stem lying around that was too long to be comfortable, so the stem, plus a $10 kids handlebar from Recycled Cycles and some new $5 grips = perfect. Our own version of the stoker bar in Pink (our favorite color) and Eva is STOKED!
Eva with her new Stoker Bar
Cruising in my parents' neighborhood
Bike Prep
Posted in Bicycle Touring on March 11, 2010| 1 Comment »
In preparation for the bike touring season, Mark and I have been gearing up. Mark is extremely stoked, packing, and repacking panniers. He is going to be an ace by the time we hit the road. Now if only the weather would cooperate so we could do a mini-tour with the girls… Stay tuned.
Mark's Surly LHT equipped with new Ortlieb Bike Packer Plus Panniers
Mark as he contemplates the necessary gear
We will be traveling with the Bobike seats and Chariot
Been a while
Posted in Parenting, Travel on March 11, 2010| Leave a Comment »
A lot changes in a week. Since my last post, we have narrowed down our ‘future plans’ and focused on Eugene. Eugene has many attractive employment options for my cycling-obsessed husband, Bike Friday, Co-Motion Cycles, Center for Appropriate Transport, to name a few. For myself, there is a Waldorf Teacher Education program in Eugene, where I hope to learn more about Rudolf Steiner, and gain teaching credentials.
Our time in Colorado is limited now. In ways, a shame, as the days are getting warmer and the mountains are beckoning. We will undoubtedly miss the support of my parents, who the kids have grown so close to. Our friends the Burnhams, which we recently reunited with, will once again be long-distance friends. The northwest is a dream that Mark and I have been chasing since leaving Montana in 2008. It is time to finally wing it.
We will really miss Old Town Fort Collins
A fun fish in Old Town
At a recent play date with the Burnhams
Mama Cyclehiser 