Pedaling Squares Tour

21 September 2008

Two weeks from today, Garrett and I, will be starting a small tour from my home in Berlin to the Lake Como region of Italy. Ten stages that will take us through Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland, and Italy and an average of 100 miles per day, and a few days of 150+ miles. Unsupported, carrying as little as we can, we are relying on the affordable hotels of the region and the hospitality of other cyclists in Europe to put us up for a night to keep this journey as cheap as possible.

As trainer regiments increase and last minute preparations/purchases (Garmin Edge 605 w/ Europe SD Card!) are made for this ride, I hope that my legs don’t give out. This will definitely be the hardest ride I have ever been on, and know that at the end of even the first day I will be ‘pedaling squares,’ a term used in cycling when it is obvious the energy and rhythm is starting to fade. And while I am sure a number of expletives will be cursed at myself for choosing such a ride, it will be one of the most exciting things i have ever done. With all the suffering, comes all the glory and accomplishment; not to mention some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

The travel log of our journey will hopefully continue as we slowly make our way towards Italy and hopefully arrive in fine fashion to pay our respects to the Madonna de Ghisallo.

// Jonathan