The Power of Spandex

There is something magical about the power of neon spandex. No matter how tired you feel, once you don a yellow jersey and skin tight shorts you feel like you can take on the world. I've often pondered whether the advantage of proper cycling attire rests more in self confidence boosting than in wind resistance. People also take it as an invitation to conversation. I suppose they figure if you're outgoing enough to wear something as silly as padded shorts you have to be pretty easygoing.

We are now four days from our flight to Vancouver. Our living room is awash of camping equipment and Vanessa and I are frantically attempting to both ready ourselves for our trip, while also preparing to leave our apartment, city and personal commitments for three months. Vanessa and I have graciously taken turns over the last month both worrying and fantasizing about the journey before us. While one of us worries, the other inspires and vice versa. We've never been so excited and intimidated all at once. That being said, through this cold and rainy spring we've slogged through thunder, lightening and hail; dealt with achy knees and leaky rain gear and came out that much stronger for it. Neither of us can promise that we'll make it from one side to the other, but we do know that we'll set out on May 29th to meet meet new people, visit new places and experience long-distance travel by bicycle.

This is our first post in a while, but we hope to post regularly over the course of the trip. We have also confirmed that Rogers will graciously cover our communications costs, making it that much easier for us to post on an almost daily basis.

Wish us luck and see you all soon,

Alex and Vanessa