Francesca on August 15th, 2009

With my bags packed and Yawp freshly tuned, I was ready for an early start Saturday morning. The day dawned clear and warm, with a slight breeze. Birds chirped. After a quick breakfast of donuts and empanadas at my new favorite bakery, Heller’s, I was ready to roll out. As I’m pulling on my [...]

Continue reading about Day 1: Pipe Gremlins and An Inauspicious Start

Francesca on August 14th, 2009

I’ve been getting phone calls and messages today asking if I’m excited and ready to go. I’m definitely ready. I’m not feeling terribly excited yet. Mostly churning through the things that need to be done and hoping I don’t forget anything super important.
Wow. I really can’t believe I set off tomorrow. My route takes [...]

Continue reading about Bike Packed! Ciao America Tour Leaves Tomorrow!

Francesca on June 3rd, 2009

Oops - this was set to be published last Wednesday. Stupid blog software…

I’m leaving tomorrow for a 3-4 day ride on the C&O Canal from Cumberland MD to Georgetown, DC. I’m going with a couple of REI coworkers, Lyssa and Brenda. This’ll be my first chance to test out the Big Dummy and my gear [...]

Continue reading about Preparing for C&O Canal Tour

Francesca on February 27th, 2009

Wow - that was lightning fast. When ordering through the employee purchase system I’ve come to expect long-ass delays but the YAWP arrived in exactly one week. Fabulous. Not so fabulous was the end of my brilliant plan to build the bike myself. The shop manager nixed it. Damn. I was really looking forward to [...]

Continue reading about Big Dummy Arrived!