| JIM I was born and raised in the San Fransisco bay area. I was born June 2nd, 1960 in Palo Alto. I have always enjoied travling and the out of doors. But, I did'nt always take time to enjoy the world I live in. In my twenties and early thirties I worked long hours and wouldn't take time for myself. I was trying to "get ahead" in life. What I got was a acidy stomauch and sleepless nights. I worried about everything; work, bills,and an endless list of projects. Early one morning while driving to work I pulled to the side of the road and cried my eyes out. I was 34 years old and I hated my life. I knew I had to change things but what? What do I want in life? Where else can I work? I restled with all the questions, what about security, paying bill. retirment, money etc. Finally,I knew I had to make a change and make it soon, or I will loose my sanity. I quit my job and bought a ticket to Alaska. I wondered around Alaska for a while untill I dicided what to do. I came back moved out of my appartment,sold my furniture and most of my belongings and rented a room in a house. I got a job as a waiter at resturant. I began living a SIMPLE LIFE. This gave me the flexability and fredom to live how I wanted. I began to sleep and I don't have a bad stomauch any more. It was a scarry decision but, it was the best thing I have ever done. I have no regrets. I now Love my life. I can finally say that there is nobody else on earth I would rather be than me. I live simply, I own very little. I work and save money. When I have enough money I quit my job and go. People ask me, how can you afford to take these trips? A friend of mine (Ole) put it best when he said "it isn't about making more money, its about spending less". I travel simply, cheep and lite, this allows me to take more trips. I have had the good fortune to be able to travel to Ireland, Egypt, Kenya, London and all over the westren United States. Most of my traveling has been by myself. Traveling solo has its advantages. You can do what you want, when you want. It also has its disadvantages, it is not as safe for one thing and you have nobody to share your trip with either. When I dicided to ride across the United States in 2000 I decided to go with a group. It turned out to be a great decission. I had someone to share the trip with. It is nice to have someone you can call and say " hey do remember ****** Bisides I made some great friends. This is were I met Myron and Chris. I had such a great time that I wanted to do another trip as soon as I could. So I called Myron and Chris, they were ready to go. However, I'm not in the best of physical condition. I'm 5'7 inches and 208 pounds. I have 36.8% body fat. WOW, that is out of shape. But, I'm not concerned, I know I can do it. I used to think that cycling was only for the those slim athletic types, I'm neither. I encourage everybody reguardless of there physical condition to get out of the car and on your bike. That is how I got into cycle touring. I used to drive to Big Sur on the central coast of California to go camping. One day I dicided to go camping but, instead of driving I would use my bicycle. Cycling opened a whole new world to me. It slowed me down so I could hear the sounds, smell the smells and see things I could never see from a car. I was hooked. I have been cycling since. It is not only a great way to travel but, it is a great way to get around town. I find it relaxing and a good way to clear the cobwebs. I use a bicycle made for touring. It looks like a mountain bike with 27" wheels. My trip across the United States in 2000 I used panniers (saddle bags) to carry my equipment. This year I'm using a BOB trailer that conects to the back of the bike. I'm not sure how I will like it. I will let you know latter. I recently perchaced a Rohloff hub. The hub is an internal 14 speed transmisson. I no longer have derailers. I only have two sprokets, one front and one rear. The 14 gears in the Rohloff are equivalent to a 24 speed derailed system. I don't know yet how I will like the Rohloff. Again I will let you know latter. I ride without special pedals I use plane-ole bike pedals. This allows me to move me feet freely and not get cramps. I don't use bike shorts either. I find that they are more constrictive and painful than regular shorts. The trick is to have a bike that fits you correctly and use a good seat. Also wear shorts that have plenty of room, and use baby powder to keep you dry and from chaffing. I rally look forward to this adventure. However, I miss my family and friends back home. I'm very fortunate to have a close loving family. To leave my family is by far the hardest part of the trip. I hope that all of you who read this enjoy your life it is short and precious. Keep it Simple, Jim |
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