Gear prep underway!

Getting our means of transport in good shape was one of the activities over the last weeks. Both are actually used bicycles and while Kai has used his quite a bit over the last 2 years, I had to acquire one for myself that is suitable for the route because my old bike basically almost totally broke down last year and needed too many repairs ;) 

I found a nice used Surly bicycle that is in nearly new condition and for a great price. As I am not a fan of drop bars (racing style) I exchanged the handlebar to a flat one. Consequently, I also had to change the brake and lever handles plus cables. Among many small things to be added to the 2 bikes were bottle holders, 'Schwalbe Marathon' tires and stable racks to survive bumpy earth roads, kick stand, and last nice Brooks saddles.

Last, Kai's bike had a maintenance overhaul of the hydraulic disk brakes (the only part that I was not comfortable repairing yet) in a local bike shop.

Last week Sunday I went with my friend Joe K. on a nice bicycle ride from home to Bothell and back on the Burke-Gillman trail. Round trip it was nearly 50km long bike ride in good weather along lake Washington.

Kai has yet to test ride his updated bike once he is back in town next week and we will have to try out the bikes with the panniers as well ;)