Physio is good, but also try adjusting your seat height. Even as little as 1/4 inch up or down can make a major difference we have found. Steve was getting sore knees and moved his saddle height up by just a little-it seemed to do the trick.

Oh sounds wonderful! Yes you really should get going on that journal. I look forward to following your adventure.
Our cancelled plan in 2020 included some of northern Italy. I'm watching some videos from a couple who are travelling through the area you are going. Looks stunning.

Puglia. Tickets are purchased and reservations made for the first half and the last couple of days. Bologna for three nights because, well, Bologna. Then train to Trani, assemble the bikes, pick up my brother's rental bike in Bari, and then a loop down to Leuca. Gravina, Matera, Martina Franca, Taranto, Guagnano, Gallipoli, Leuca, Castro, Otranto, Lecce, Monopoli, Bari, Ruvo, and back to Trani. Planned with food, olive oil, wine, and history for stops. Our hostess in Guagnano had some excellent recommendations for places to eat during our trip. Still waiting to hear whether or not we will be able to do lunch at Antichi Sapori in Montegrosso. They might have a closed function the day we have scheduled for it.

Granted some of the Google Street View images go back over a decade, but it's been a good resource for looking at conditions on routes I've considered. It also helps me to know what important intersections will look like and which path to choose.

I guess I need to get to work putting this into a trip journal outline.

I know how you feel Bob. So many things have been cancelled these past 2 years that it has been a challenge in trying to plan anything. I thought if I put it out there, perhaps it would have a better chance of materializing. So tell me, where are you headed?

I've been reluctant to go public with mine because I tend to be skeptical until something actually happens. That being said, the trip has been in the planning stage for over two years. Guess I need to take the plunge as well.

Hi Keith - We've had our Orcas for a few years now as we used them on the tandem. They are quite stiff and not at all like the Dolphins I have for my bike. They have softer sides and can be stuffed to over flowing quite nicely. I don't know if that's a good thing.

I've sat and read your journal through and look forward to following you on your trip this summer. You appear to be very organized and dedicated to succeeding. It makes me think that I should start riding with all my 'stuff' every time we go out, as we only have 10 weeks until take off. I did ride over to my daughters house the other day with the back panniers full of cookies, meatballs and caesar salad and surprisingly enough, that felt heavy.

Rob just tried the tandems double legged kickstand on his bike and I think we might be going that route. Do you still use yours on your bike?

I've been very pleased so far with the Arkel T28s (and matching Large handlebar bag) that I got late last autumn. They've been on my bike every ride since they arrived.

If my rear panniers were not in really good condition I might have splurged on a part of the GT42s, too, but that's money I don't currently need to spend. We'll see how the next three-plus months go- that's the period of time I have to change my mind before setting off.

We have some farm sitters who would be able to set you up, no problem.

I'm a planner that's for sure! Yes our amnesia incidences were.....something I don't want to repeat. The mind is a funny thing.

Glad to see someone else making travel plans! Transient Global Amnesia sure is interesting.

Hey Steve ~ thanks for the comment and I hope you are both doing well. We really wish our trip to Europe had gone ahead in 2020 as planned and then thought it might be a go in 2021. Which of course wasn't. We really need some adventure and a proper tour under our belts and thought cycling in Canada would probably be our best bet to make that happen. We will have to be happy with Timmy's donuts for now.

Yes we are planning to start out beginning of May and we are worried the weather might not co-operate. Our plan, for now, is to start in Nanaimo and cycle to Port Hardy where we would take the ferry to Prince Rupert. We would then follow the Yellowhead Hwy. Have you cycled this route before? We are curious as to what it would be like as most people seem to cycle Hwy 3.

I went for a ride around Merida today and struggled with the headwind and it makes me wonder how I'm going to handle a long distance tour. Sometimes I think I over estimate my abilities along with forgetting I'm not youngish. We will have some serious training to do on our return.

I appreciate any more advice you can throw our way. We would really like our trip to be a success. Oh, and thanks for the kind offer of your house. Key under the mat?
Cheers
Leslie

We have been trying to guess where Covid will be at, as Summer approaches, thinking both of whether Europe will be ready to receive us, and whether we would gamble on going. We, like you, also thought about cycling across Canada. But I am so reluctant, because of little cycling infrastructure, and a distinct lack of castles, croissants, and churches. Your decision to go for it is impressive.

But hey, first comment, 100 days from now puts you in early May? When we tried that (in 2011) we encountered snow filled mountain passes and had to descend all the way to the Columbia River to get going East. So be patient, maybe go in June. If you do, we recommend Highway 3 through BC, though it does have the challenging Manning Park.

We also recommend a stop at our house on VI as you get going. Even if we have somehow fled to Europe, the house will still be here!

Thanks so much for verifying that Bob. I wanted something to follow along with as Rob uses the garmin and I was planning to use komoot. I didn't want to have rwgps open as well. I'm worried about the challenges of keeping all the electronics charged.

I'm having a hard time figuring out how to reply to people's comments haha. This trip could be interesting....anyways Rob uses a Garmin edge. We are excited too ~ thanks

I wonder if the multi day is part of the free version. I'll have to check in to it. So much to learn and try out.