Worn Treads

So here it is: after being off from touring for a little over a month now I am already planning ahead for the next tour. While it seemed crazy to jump back on the bike already, my good friend James, who has now been on tour for over 15 months came to town and convinced me of something I should never forget, do what feels right. And being stagnant here in Oakland feels a little wrong, being on the bike feels right. So I have figured out a way to help finance the next tour and take off for my first winter travels by bicycle!

That being said here is the plan. Having worked in Buffalo for some years I thought it would be nice to come back and work on a show which I have enjoyed working in the past. I got in touch with my old boss and she warmly welcomed me back to join the crew. It’s six straight days of longerish days, meaning it should help finance the entire trip, train ticket included.
After catching up with friends for a few days in Buffalo, I will embark along the Erie Canal trail on December 13th, giving myself an immediate offday in Rochester, then pushing on through to Syracuse for a night, and then Sprakers, hopefully for some Warmshowers accommodation. Then zip by the capital city and cross the Hudson, leaving the Canalway behind, but sticking to Route 5 straight across to the Massachussets border to hopefully nestle into Pittsfield, MA for a night. Then the following day race down to Hartford, CT to see my first host from my x-country tour and spend an extra day with my good friend Nicole. Then the ride home. Instead of ending on a bridge, I’ll end on a ferry. Instead of ending in a town where I hardly know anyone I’ll end in a town where I was born to see my family for the holidays.
The pathways will be mostly gravel and most likely unplowed (this should only be a problem until about after Rochester, where hopefully the snow belt gives way a little to Syracuse, but who knows!). I should make it to Long Island by the 20th, but luckily I’ll have that 5 day buffer for storms, break downs, or meltdowns.
This tour is going to be on my mind every hour of every day until it happens. I’m already excited to get out there and hit the pavement and gravel!