Catalysts of HOPEHealing
Our People & Earth
Bike4Peace
Bike4Peace
Perhaps your ideal pace is different. Plan your route to push yourself, but don't break anything. It's not easy, but it's beneficial. When you know your ideal pace, plan backwards from DC, unless you decide to ride along with a group that is already organized. Choose towns or campgrounds that are appropriately spaced for your overnight stays. Contact the people you know in those towns right away, so they can help with your planning. Maybe they'll want to ride along. We find eight riders to be ideal - enough to make a presence on a road that's not bike friendly, but not so many as to overwhelm hosts. Recruit hosts by googling local peace and bike groups. Remember, many hands make light work.
Prepare by getting very familiar with your gear. Consider the minimum you need to stay healthy. Pack it onto the bike and ride twenty-five miles. Too heavy? Reconsider, reduce, and repack. There are some things everybody needs - four large water bottles, a toothbrush, and a sleeping bag. It's a good idea to have two bicycling outfits and a set of sweats for when you're not riding. When you buddy with another rider, one of you can carry a tent and the other some cooking gear (keep it simple). Invest in Ortlieb panniers; they're worth it. You'll want some special items you might not find in a convenience store, and these items can be shared across the packs of all the cyclists. There's always room for the item that nobody else would think to bring. Avoid unnecessary redundancy as you pack the way only you can.
What sort of bicycle is best for this journey? Well, it's got to be comfortable for you and sturdy enough to haul your load over every imaginable surface. Some prefer 26" wheels, while others like 700c. Either way, you'll benefit from aramid tires, heavy spokes, and light rims. A super skinny, flexible seat is most comfortable. You'll want the best bike mechanic in town to consult and examine your gear. Pack some extra spokes, a few tubes and a tire or two. Start out with a fresh chain and gears. Carry 4 oz of Tri-flow and a rag. Know how to take your bike apart and put it back together. Be sure somebody has the tools and parts you might need. We decided one good floor pump was easier than a bunch of little frame pumps. There are bike shops along the way, but they don't always have what you want.
Please stay in contact with us, even if you're riding separately. Maybe we can help with suggestions along the way. We'll look forward to meeting you all in DC on Sat 22 Sept.
