One other thought on the subject of France: I'm toying with the idea of trying to get to and ride in the Semaine Federale sometime in the next couple of years. It's doubtful that my wife would be interested in the riding, but depending on where it is she might enjoy exploring the host town(s) while I'm out pedaling.

Hi again Tim-

Well, I've bitten the bullet. Friday I bought an REI "Quarter Dome SL 2" tent and REI "Magma" backpacker's quilt, based in part on your suggestion as well as having seen such things mentioned in other journals.

Being me, I had to try them out before committing to taking them on the road, so I enjoyed a night of front-yard "camping" last night. They were great! I feel very much that it was a Good Decision. Thanks for the nudge in that direction.

I like tenting well enough, just not in *this* particular tent.

I recall you having mentioned that, though it had escaped me. Have you studied and experimented to determine which cheese delivers optimum grease removal versus flavor balance? Emmentaler v. Jarlsburg v. Brie v. Camembert v. ...?

We love France. I'd go in a flash and so would my wife. But she doesn't want it to be a cycling thing. We've amused ourselves by fantasizing about moving to somewhere in Burgundy.

Looks like you’re ready to me. The profile looks like rides looks like rides we’ve been taking lately. Hey (brain flash) - have you considered ditching the tent and camping equipment, hopping a cheap flight to France and riding across France instead? Lodging and meals might be a bit more, but it’s a shorter ride.

Looks like one I used to use, about thirty years ago. Thanks for all the reminders of why I don’t miss tenting.

Don’t forget - cheese rind works wonders on this.

I wish there was a "Like" button, or a way to include a thumbs-up emoji in comments.

Thanks for the vote of confidence!

I think you made some good decisions. The weight thing never seems to go away even after several tours. It isn't until after the tour starts do I forget about this crap and concentrate on riding and enjoying myself. Keith, you got this....soon I hope you can relax and deal with what comes your way; you are really prepared so....

Thanks for the words of encouragement Tim, and best of luck to you on your own journey.

I'm considering a backpacking quilt but man they are an investment.

On a very mild evening yesterday the single silk liner I was in proved inadequate, no surprise there. Adding the light 4x5 fleece got me through but the hunt is still on for better solutions.

I have been following along with your adventure because I hope to be in your position in a year or two (getting ready to set off across the country). I finally signed up for an account here so I can offer my words of encouragement.

You may find that your heat tolerance improves with your fitness and as you dial in your nutrition and hydration/electrolytes.

Regarding the sleeping bag, you may want to look into a down backpacking quilt, they can be very light and pack down well. Just going with a liner(s) may not be sufficient when you get away from the warm humid nights of the mid-Atlantic.

Hi

Going completely kitchen free would certainly be liberating, but breakfast at a campsite (coffee and oatmeal) requires boiling water, and cups. To boil water I need the stove, a fuel bottle, and a pot. To drink the coffee and contain the oatmeal adds two plastic measuring cups. Cleanup then requires a vessel for washing, suds...

I'll "live off the economy" where I can but it seems likely that there will be some times where I have to be self reliant. Maybe the kitchen will be sent home, partway along. Time will tell.

Yes, It's all a trade-off, isn't it.

My phone. Very cramped and a bit slow but that's the trade-off for shaving weight.

I forgot to pack my Bluetooth keyboard yesterday; that will help the composing mechanics quite a lot.