10.8.17, starting in Ocotillo, CA

Adventure Cycling, the group who's route I'm following, has what they call the southern tier which begins in San Diego and goes to Saint Augustine FL via TX and the gulf states. They have both a paper map and a digital version. I'm starting in the west, but not in San Diego because there is an immediate 4000' climb heading east and I'm not in shape it do that right out of the gate. So I'm staring in Ocotillo CA, almost due south of Borrego Springs and just east of the mountains. I have an idea that when I return west, by what ever means and I'm in great shape I might just go back to San Diego and do the tough bit. In case you are worried that it is all down hill from Ocotillo to Saint Augustine FL and I'm avoiding all the pain, I can assure you there are plenty of hills along the way.

I'm starting out with low expectations for the first couple of weeks. It will be a shake down cruise for me and the bike. I have been riding daily for an hour or so for several months, but that does not qualify me as anything more than a beginner. The first couple of weeks will be spent figuring out how to pack and where to stay and what to eat and how far I can peddle and how to protect myself from sun.

With my long distance hiking experience I pretty much know what to bring although there will be some difference between hitting a stores and restaurants a few times a day rather than once a week and there are a lot of options for places to stay. I'm bringing a tent, mat, and bag so I can camp out but there are AirBnB's, hotels, and HotShowers.com, which is specifically for bikers.

As I did when I hiked I'm not bringing a stove. I never could justify carrying, making a mess, and cleaning it up a couple of times per day although I'm going to miss my morning tea. I might have to make sun tea to see if that works for me.

I will send photos with short written bits to let you know where I am.

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