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 me up the C&O Canal and then the newly-complete Great Allegheny Passage to Pittsburgh. I won’t need to scrounge places to camp until after Pittsburgh. That will be interesting… After that, it’s 350 miles to Michelle’s wedding in Chicago!
The bike worked out to about 40 lbs of gear plus 30 lbs of bike plus 10 lbs of water and way more lbs of me. Pushing this uphill is going to be tough. 
On other news… the Central America portion of the trip is pretty much cancelled. I’m got increasingly concerned about traveling safely alone so I caved in to my better sense and called it off. I’m looking at going to Asia in January. Perhaps cycling along the Mekong River through Vietnam & Cambodia or through Mongolia. Not sure yet. Any ideas out there?
Tags: bike, bike expedition, travel
August 14th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
Have fun, be safe, and feel free to call (often!). Looking forward to your tales of adventure!
August 15th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
You’ve got a place to stay with us. Will email address/phone to you.
August 22nd, 2009 at 5:23 pm
touring Vietnam is a good idea Francesca.I toured that part of the world in 1965,but I was in good company.Ben McLin kept me company. best of luck on your trip girl.
Bill Fisch
August 24th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Way to go Francesca! I am rooting for you from my desk at Folio. You are missed!
October 15th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
Ciao America salutes Francesca’s Ciao America Bike Tour!