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Feeling pretty good, not too nervous, though a little apprehensive about bears and vast wilderness, having never been anywhere like that. Aside from that, I'm happy riding 16 hours a day, over multiple days, though doing it for 20+ days is going to hurt for anyone, and I expect it to. I did two consecutive days of 14 hours last weekend, in bad weather with more climbing per day than an average day on the divide, and I wasn't too bad for it. 270 miles and over 22,000 feet of climbing in 2 days wasn't bad on a loaded MTB I reckon. I still can't imagine how tired I'll be after doing that for 3 weeks...
All said, it's going to be an amazing experience, and I'm gonna start out with some mates from CA, and see how our pace matches, but would be great to finish with them too.
The huge lack of snow in the north west means it could be a fast year in the northern section of the route, with little snow melt, and some treacherous sections like Richmond Peak could be easier, but, it could still snow. Then the El NiƱo forecast is bad for New Mexico, which means rolling daily storms, and lots of incredibly gloopy mud. Which could be slow and tedious. Basically, anything could happen.
I just hope the saddle sores aren't too bad!
Bike looks great.
How are you shaping up? Feeling prepared?