Wedding and Cherries

We did it.  We finally got married!  It took us months to actually set the date, and then a week to plan the wedding.  It was perfect, and very low-cost! A friend of mine painstakingly made my dress, and it turned out graceful and beautiful.  The groom's suit was found at the thrift store.  We paid for a photographer with a veggie share, and the dressmaker's work with a work day at her house, home-made cheese, and herbs.  Seating was on home-made benches...boards supported on log sections, covered with a length of unbleached muslin.  My bouquet was collected from my parent's backyard.  A close friend made the cake, her sister did my hair, my sister made the flower decorations, bouquet, and some of the refreshments, and my mom made the rest of the refreshments.  That same sister also played the piano for the ceremony, perched up on the back of my brother's pickup truck.  I rode to the wedding in the back of a Madsen, pedaled by my father.

The ceremony was on land we lease, under a spreading cottonwood tree.  We had no attendants, a friend did the 'marrying', and there was no reception; just a simple dinner with family.   

We did take a short little honeymoon at Allegany State Park, in a rustic cabin beside a babbling brook.

 It was just what we needed...a little break before diving back into work on the houses and garden.  

I do thoroughly enjoy married life!

While my Dear Man and I were busy marrying and making merry, all the plants in our garden were busy growing...and the fruit trees were fruiting!  We recently picked the biggest Chinese Cabbage I've ever seen... 

Such a lovely head...it is very satisfying.

We also have Kohlrabi that is getting too big, broccoli and cauliflower growing to picking size, and cabbages swelling.  Frustratingly, varmints are getting into our fenced-off garden, and doing their best to destroy our crops! 

This spring we discovered four different cherry trees on our land...and they are all loaded with cherries!

And, for a day, with children...

We harvested quite the bounty!  Yum! Yum!

First Flat...

Well, finally the inevitable happened.

Yesterday I rode across town, and just as I was reaching my destination, I discovered my rear tire was almost completely deflated.  I was pretty bummed.  I didn't want to fix a flat tire!  

Thankfully it was very easy to find the puncture...a wire had gone through the tire and into the tube.  

I took the wheel off, unnecessarily, to fix it.  The hole in the tube was quite obvious, so I didn't have to do anything fancy or complicated...

After patching I pumped it up and two hours later rode home.  Today the tire is still as firm as when I inflated it yesterday!  

Hurray!  I can successfully fix flat tires!!! 

To Sum It Up...

It was good to get home, but it sure felt like a big part of the trip had been completely skipped.  Driving in a vehicle rather detracts from the journey...

We got to the house and it felt very strange...it didn't even feel like home!

It took me a couple of days to adjust...but I eventually got somewhat used to normal life again.

My ankles healed quickly, and in a little over a week I took a 30 mile ride with very minimal discomfort.  Thankfully they are healing faster than my knee did!

My bicycle was well worn and desperately needed a thorough going-over before she was taken on the road again.

The rear brakes were completely shot; front brakes, severely worn; chain, filthy.  I replaced the rear brake pads with a pair of new ones my Dad had lying around.  The front brakes still work, so I'll wait on those...

Dad was concerned that my chain could have stretched, but it was just fine!  I cleaned it with a toothbrush and kerosene....then thoroughly lubed it with Tri-Flow chain lube.  That stuff worked great!  We used it when our chains had been rained on every night...it eliminated the developing rust and kept them well lubricated.

I was very happy with my Bontrager Select Invert tires....I had no flats or leaks despite having to ride through broken glass occasionally.  Over 1000 miles...and no flats!!  They probably aren't as fast as smooth road tires, but they do well on both dirt roads and pavement.

My bags worked satisfactorily.  They kept all the pouring rain out, securely held our stuff, and weren't troublesome to access...unless the sleeping bag was strapped on top.

I do wish I had designed pockets into my handlebar bag.  Having my loose change mixed with all the other small junk in the bottom of the bag was extremely messy and inconvenient.  My next bag will definitely feature pockets!

I really enjoyed this trip, and am ready to start planning another!  I'm definitely hooked.  

Rain on the Mountain

Tuck slept well in the graveyard.  I had a terrible time falling asleep, and then didn't sleep very well anyway.  I wasn't tired enough, after only 40 miles.  We got out of the cemetery early, rode to Boyer's to get milk for our cereal, ate there, and then were on the road by 8:30. 

We took Rte 61 to Sunbury and though it was mostly a 4-lane highway, bicycles were legal, and the shoulders were wide enough for us to comfortably ride.  

We picked up the PA bike route J in Northumberland. A few miles later, we stopped to eat lunch at a little river-side park in Milton.  

Here I discovered my back brakes had worn down so far they completely ceased to work!  I had no back brakes, and still had a steep mountain to descend at some point!  My front brakes were very worn also, but still worked well, thankfully.  I now know to carry an extra pair of brake pads!

In Milton we used the library - for their bathroom!  We appreciated the existence of public bathrooms in gas stations, grocery stores, and libraries.  It was very convenient!

Here is a random photo of the town of Milton...

It is right on the lovely Susquehanna River....

In Dewart we abandoned bike route J for motor vehicle route 44.  That took us through some Amish country, and I snapped a picture of a team of working mules patiently waiting on their driver. 

This particular farm had at least six huge mules instead of draft horses.  It was nestled prettily between some mountains.  One of which we soon would reach the base of.  Which I did not want to climb.  It was late afternoon and there was a threat of thunderstorms, but Tuck convinced me to do it anyway. 

It was a very long ascent.  I took my time, and had a lot of breaks, because I hate feeling sick from riding too hard.  It took us over an hour to get up to the top.  Near the top, the wind started blowing, the sky clouded over, and thunder could be occasionally heard.  Tuck was quite a distance ahead of me, and it suddenly started pouring.  I had put my holey rain poncho on just in time.  Now I just walked up the mountain.  Around the next curve, and there was the top!  Finally!  The rain was coming down like a water main upstairs just broke.  I took off my helmet so it could wash the sweat off my face.  It felt amazing!  In just a few seconds my face was clean and cool.  I wanted to take advantage of the free shower, but it would have been too chilly, and rather indecent, considering the circumstances.  The rain didn't last very long, but I enjoyed every minute of it! The view from the top was lovely; of the sun on distant mountains, rain in the valley, clouds moving away and the blue sky spreading.

We made it safely down the mountain, despite wet rims and no back brakes, in my case.  In a way, the water on the rims was helpful - water cooled brakes!  

The sun came out at the bottom and turned the wet road into a silver ribbon...

Our moods were suddenly improved - I think getting poured on at the very top of a mountain was the best thing that happened to us all day - other than the spaghetti...

We stayed in an old cemetery at the base of the mountain, in Collomsville.  We were right next to a cow pasture.

I cooked up some spaghetti for our supper...

It was very tasty, especially with cheddar cheese melted into it, but unfortunately I didn't make quite enough.  We finished it all, and were still a little hungry.

As we set up camp, the locals looked at us curiously, but nobody bothered us.  It was a pleasant spot, and I was glad we had come over the mountain.

Blue Mountain...

Since we were staying in PA for a couple weeks, I decided to do a little exploring.  A friend had told me about some trails on Blue Mountain, and I wanted to check them out. 

North Northkill Road took me to the base of the mountain, where it turned into a dirt/stone old logging trail. It was steep at points, but since my bike wasn't loaded, I had little trouble.

 Once, when I stopped for a drink, I noticed some wintergreen growing beside the trail...it tasted nice...

 At one point, as I was working my way up the mountain, I suddenly thought I could hear a semi-truck behind me.  Since all traffic sounds from local highways were muffled by the forest around me, I was rather mystified.  It didn't take long for the mystery to become clear...an empty logging truck was lumbering its way up the one-lane road.  I thought of holding the lane, but since there was nowhere for the truck to go, except over me...I decided to pull off onto the shoulder, and give him plenty of room to pass.

At the top of the mountain I could have continued straight, where the surface became large rocks; or turned left, where the road was still rideable gravel.  I turned.

The road along the top was a few miles of flat, secluded riding. 

Here is a picture of an exceptionally long flat stretch...

The gravel on the surface varied greatly, but was all rideable.

I greatly appreciate the tires on my bike, and the fact that she's a hybrid...she handled all the surfaces like a champ!

I rode out into a grassy field to take a look at the view from the top.  My camera wouldn't focus, so the picture REALLY doesn't do it justice.

Occasional hiking trails turned off the road, and I stopped to explore some of one.  It was surrounded with blueberries!  Yummy!!

 Here's a photo of that trail...

I passed some wild turkeys, but that was all the wildlife I spotted.  Unless you count the lone elderly hiker....

Near the end, the Appalaichan Trail crossed the little road.  I stopped to walk the trail,,,but only went about 100 feet along it...

It surprised me by how insignificant it appeared.  Somehow, I had though it would look a little more important.  It was definitely well used, though...

The road emptied out onto Route 183.  There was a steep descent to the highway, and I managed to stay upright despite all the loose gravel!

I stopped to take a scenic shot on the way down 183...and the camera co-operated this time!

All - in - all, it was a very enjoyable ride...

Too Much Stuff!!!!

Today we finally put together everything for our Erie Canal trip this weekend. 

Wow!  

What a huge amount of stuff!

Everything (except the sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and tent) does fit into my four panniers and a little pack for the white Trek.
We will pile the sleeping bags and tent onto the backs of my and my sister's bikes.

I got to test the rear panniers today in a run to the store for trip supplies.  It even rained...and they did well.
We are completely ready for the trip!

Fully loaded rig...

Today I finished the panniers!!!!!!
Ok, I am excited.
I have been continuously working on them for 4 months, it is time they were finished!

I stuffed most of the clothing and equipment we will need for the upcoming trip with my mom and sis into the two rear panniers and the handlebar bag.  I'm quite sure we will be able to fit everything the three of us need...even food...into my four bags.  Our dear friend and neighbor is lending us his three-man tent and warm sleeping bag, so we will have to figure out how to strap three sleeping bags, mats, and one tent onto the backs of two bikes...since my mom's bicycle doesn't have racks.
Carrying the gear for three people will be a good test for my panniers...

Short trip!

Today my brother and I decided to take a relatively short bike trip just for the fun of it.  I wanted to get out of the city...if we could manage it.  I looked on google maps to see if I could find the shortest route into the more rural areas.  I discovered a nice bike path about 15 miles from us...mainly surrounded by fields and trees!  My brother thought it looked like a nice idea too...so there we went.  On the way there we checked out a short bike lane along the railway.  It was pleasant, for being  in the city and along the train tracks. 

Here is our route...

View Larger Map

One thing I miss about spring-time in the country is the Spring Peepers. I had the treat of listening to them in various places on the trail.  I also enjoyed the quietness...  

The sound of traffic was faint and there was only a very occasional small plane flying nearby.  The sounds to be heard were only birds, Spring Peepers, the whir of the tires, swish of my pants, and click of the freewheel.

Since it is still early spring the landscape is pretty drab....but I did get to see some little yellow flowers and some brightly colored Red-osier Dogwood!  

The path...quietly winding into the stark bareness of trees at end of winter...





The day was beautiful...sunshine and gentle breezes all the way!  Unfortunately that meant our pale winter skin got a little over-exposed to the sun...we both got pretty red.

We ate sitting on some big rocks beside this body of water.  If you look closely, you may be able to see the yellow flowers beside my brother's front wheel...






My lunch!  I had stale-ish peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with water.

My steed at the edge of open fields...I miss the wideness of farming country...

It was a fun trip, and good preparation for upcoming longer ones...

Flipping the stem...

My dad recently suggested that I lower my handlebars by flipping over the stem.  This morning the bike was out so I did the job.

I have been noticing that I don't like the height of the bars...hopefully I'll be satisfied with this adjustment.

Before...

After...

The benefits of Spring weather...

The temperature finally got up to 50, so I was able to paint my racks, test the camping stove, and do some other warmer-weather activities.

It didn't take long to spray-paint the racks...they are now a uniform glossy black.

Sadly, I didn't even think of taking pictures when I was trying to light the stove, so there are none.

Since I am using kerosene as the fuel, I need to pre-heat the generator.  When it is sufficiently heated, the kerosene will vaporise as it travels through it.  I could buy expensive pre-heating paste, but instead decided to try Sterno.  It worked flawlessly...even in windy conditions!  I tested the stove by boiling some water. The children added some kale, spinach, and some salt, and we had a little snack of boiled greens!  

My brother and I rode out to the waterfront since it was such a beautiful day.  In order to take my new pump, I had to attach the clip to the bike...

The only available frame space was the underside of the down tube.

It seems pretty secure, but will get messy if I'm riding through mud or puddles.

I'll probably put it in a bag in wet conditions...

More Stuff...

Today the order from Jenson USA came in!

I had ordered a Topeak Pump, Topeak Multi Tool, some patch kits, and an extra tube.  

    The pump appears to be everything I wished for...
I have actually never used a frame pump before, so my dad thought this one would be a good choice.  It has a flexible hose, so I won't have to worry about stabilizing the pump/valve connection.  It also has a handy fold-down pad to stand on.
    Now that I have the multi tool, I don't have to be dependent on my brothers or dad to supply tools when I have work to do on my bike.  For extended work, I would prefer to use individual tools though...the multi tool is pretty bulky.
    Now that I have all these accessories, I can venture farther from home by myself....if I get a flat, I now have the equipment to repair it myself!

New racks...

Well, my brother welded the racks, so now it is up to me to finish them...

Front rack

Rear rack

All I need to do is sand the new welds to remove any roughness or loose pieces and then paint the exposed metal.  

Needs to be sanded...

After sanding...

I have yet to get paint, but will post an update when that is accomplished...

Back racks, front racks, what kinds should I use?

When I got my bike it had a Bontrager rear rack already installed, but since its attachment to the bicycle wasn't very sturdy, I decided to exchange it for a steel rack with a home-designed attachment. I bought two American made Wald racks for about $24...incredibly cheaper than most racks.  One was to replace the existing rear rack, and one was for the front.  I am putting a platform rack on the front instead of the low-rider because my handlebar bag is going to rest on it.  Wald doesn't sell front racks, so my dad decided he could make a rear rack work.

The rear rack

He designed attachment systems for both of the new racks ... now they are waiting for my brother to weld them together.

Front rack

As they stand now...just balanced in place...

Money-saving measures

Here are a few things I'm doing to reduce my costs in preparation for this trip...

• No cell phone

I can do without a cell phone, because the only reason I got one in the first place was for emergencies.  If I get into an emergency away from home, I will just have to interact with  people instead of using technology...it could be a good thing. There is a home phone I can use for casual calls.

• Cycling as my main transportation

I've chosen to cycle places because it is better for me, the environment, my wallet, and others.  I really enjoy it; after a trip, when I get home, I feel extremely good since exercising releases endorphins that make you feel great. It is a healthy 'high'!  Riding regularly is also helping me learn defensive cycling techniques, and other road skills.  

• No spending on myself for treats or unnecessary stuff

Refusing to spend money on myself for a treat or a movie can be annoying, but it is worth it in the end...

• Living with my parents

I still live at home with my parents, and that really helps keep my living costs way down.  I am glad to be here, and have the support my family gives me.  They won't let me be a 'free-loader', so I have various responsibilities I must fulfill since I don't help with the bills.  They give me lots of advice, help and patience.  I am very thankful for them...

There may be other ways I'm reducing my pre-trip costs, but no more come to mind right now...

My ride.

Here is the bike I'm preparing for my trip.  Dad installed a HUGE rear light - in case I ride at night.

She is a Trek 7.2FX - not specifically a touring bike, but has the capabilities for front and rear racks.

My brother is making a front rack for me, and I'm making the panniers and handlebar bag.

I hope to get bar-ends, so I have more than one hand position while riding.

As she stands now....