The Charge Continues

So after taking a week off for some pains in my foot and hip I am back on the stationary bike.  There is some growth that can be seen.  I this week spent more time on the saddle and increased my miles quite a bit.  Now I am under now impression that this is anything like bike packing but I think it just goes to show me I am improving.

Yes I know I am in doors and just riding a stationary bike but we all have to start some where.  As I have been saying the goal right now is weight lose and at my age it is a struggle.  However if I keep up this kind of growth it will start to fall off soon.  I am still looking a bikes online and plan to buy one through FB market place when I see the right deal.  This has been fun so far and I am learning a lot about myself.  So now I need to stretch after that 11 mile ride.

Road Blocks

As you get started on goals of any kind you will hit road blocks.  The perverbial bump in the road.  I am in now way exempt from this.  As I prepare for my Bike Packing and Fishing adventures I have hit a road block.  I currently don't have the desire to ride and exercise.  How do you handle this.  Well in my understanding (which is limited) you need to push through.

When I was young and getting ready for the Fire Academy I need to start excerising to prepare for the physical rquirements I would be getting into.  Istarted running daily and very quickly hit a road block.  Iso badly wanted to stop.  And I almost did until I just simply pushed myself.  Runners know that if you push through eventually it gets better.  I understand this as in those moments I have pushed through before and sure enough in time I was past it and feeling energized and glad I did it.  So as Ishare this with everyone I sitting in the kitchen typing this post not wanting to ride.  So I will start here as it is time for me tyo push through.

Bike Packing Just a Start In research

 So the research and learning has begun as I embark on a new adventure in my life.  As I mentioned before I will be venturing into the world of bike packing and of course fishing.  As I get ready to turn 50 I see the need to find myself again and more importantly I need to move again.  If you don't use it you lose it or so they say.  Well I kind of am starting to understand that as I see it getting hard to move like I once use to.   I am in the research phase and the areas I will be doing my research are in the following.

1. Bikes

2. Tent and sleeping gear

3. Bike Packs

4. Cooking stoves, and other items

5. Computer systems (In time)

6. Water filtration systems.

I will be sharing all that I learn with you as I start my searches and learn the in's and out's of it all.  To start of course will be with the most important part the Bike.  Now I am not new to this in anyway I have been mountain biking for years.  I have enough knowledge here to get by but as with anything you want to be better at you need to do your do diligence.  I plan to ride a mountain bike as I think I will be most comfortable in one verses a road bike.  I will be using a Hardtail and if I can swing the price a full suspension might be in the cards.  My plan is to find out what makes for a top level bike and find a used one that will fit my needs.  

I plan to stick to what I know best, or what was most common when I rode.  GT, Specialized, Trek, Iron Horse, Giant, Diamondback, and Gary Fisher.  My hunt will be for a used bike in very good condition of course.  I will not be doing this a tone at least at the start so a very good used bike should do well for me in the beginning.  One think I am currently learning about is the 29er bikes.  

(Definition:) - A 29er bike is a mountain bike with 29 inch wheels, a wheel size that has become the most popular and most capable for trail riding. 29er bikes are great for all types of rides and they offer lots of performance benefits that can make riding easier, faster, and more fun.

The Pros here are great for moving through rough terrain.  Less buck and better flow on technical terrain.  Increased traction and grip due to larger tire contact.  As for Cons I can live with being harder to jump and with and maneuvering in the air, not an issue for me at my age.  Slower acceleration compared to 27.5" MTB, I am in no rush of course. Lastly bigger wheels tend to be heavier, and that is something to consider.

I have read that disc breaks are better then the old cantilever breaks.  As my last bike had disc break I completely agree with this and will be looking for good disc breaks as well.  Last lastly will be overall bike size.  For me when I was younger I liked my bikes to be smaller so I could throw it around under me.  But I am sure now a larger bike would be a better fit.  I will be sitting in and doing some test riding soon as well and give you my feedback soon on that.  This so far has been fun even though I just started.  I will continue to do my research.

Funny last thoughts - When I was just out of high school I started Mountain biking and continued in to my late 20's with some action in my early 30's.  Back then I just grabbed a bike and hit the trail.  This time approaching 50 I need to prepare for all that I plan to do.  Don't take your youth for granite enjoy it while you have it.  I know there is much more to go over and learn about so there is more to come.

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Cook Wear for my pending Bike Trips

 I have been looking at a lot of different items to get prepared.  So I started with a small portable Stove and a Pot and Pan set.  Below are images of what I ordered as well as the links to view them further and purchase if you like.

Portable Camping Stove

MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit

So this is still a very new thing to me so I am just testing the waters.  The cost of these items as well as tax and shipping was came to $40 roughly.  Once I receive this items I will be doing a review of the items as well as cooking up some lunch in the backyard.  I am still in the planning stages for my first Bike Packing and Fishing Trip by the Summer of 2024.  

The main current goals are still the same weight lose and review of needed items for my trip.  I am currently doing most of my research through YouTube video which have been very helpful.  I have found a good first route in Big Bear already.  I will continue to do my research and if you have advice please send a comment.  Now I am going to jump on my stationary bike to work on that weight lose.  I will be riding 3 to 4 times a week with a goal of 30 minutes to an hour of ride time a week.

Only my first week of preparing

 So ya not much has changed, but it has only been a week.  In preparation for setting out to start Bike Packing and Fishing I have been doing a few things.  One I have been riding my stationary bike at home in hopes of losing weight and gaining cardio improvements.   I have also be online looking at used bikes and doing much research on needed items for a simple first time trip.   

  Let's talk about my first week of exercise on the stationary bike real quick.  I have completed my 3 days for the week and plan to get one more ride in.  I have traveled 15 miles in a total of 38 minutes of riding.  I think this is alright and being that I just started the whole plan I am satisfied.  The rides right now are not tough and in time I will be increasing the duration and intensity to better challenge myself.  As before weight lose will be a goal of 40 pounds lost and right now I am looking to start by losing 5 pounds.  I have time this is not a race at least not yet.

So I currently am in search of a bike as I sold my last bike about 15 years ago.  I will be looking for 2 different types.  Both are mountain bikes as that is where I am most comfortable.  I will be looking to purchase a used Hardtail for Full Suspension bike.  I am currently looking on social media for a good deal and am not in any rush to purchase.  Though I hope to have a bike before the end of 2023 at least.  Now as I look in to these bikes I realize just how long it as been since I have been on a bike.  Brand have changed but the overall idea is still there.  Still I plan to stick with some trusted name brands from my days.  GT, Giant, Specialized,  Trek, Gary Fisher, and more.  When I get a bike I will be looking for a 29er.  the 29er are bigger tires, which allow for less energy to travel further distances as well as rolling over obstacle better.  Of course my mind is open to all ideas, for now this is my direction and desire. 

  

These are just some starting off ideas and pricing for me will be no more that $400, and hopefully $300 of a little less.  It can be done and once I have the bike I can then upgrade were I feel it is needed.  I will continue to do my research into all items I will need for this big adventure I will be in barking on and I hope that you will follow me all the way through.  One last thing to say I am a fishermen and part of this adventure is to go fishing on my trip as well.  So you will be seeing me talk more about the fishing aspect as well.  I will be looking into conversion rods (fly rod to spinning rod) as well as Tenkara fishing something very unique, of course compact and it looks like some fun.  Thanks again for readying and please don't hesitate to post your comments add your 2 cents I will take all the help I can get.

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