This past December 2nd (2012), I posted on my Facebook account that I will be bicycling from Pittsburgh to Washington DC by way of the Great Allegheny Passage bike trail and the C and O Towpath bike trail. The ride will be entirely on those two bike trails, which connect to each other in Cumberland, MD. Other than any side trips off the trail, the trails will be eliminating the need to ride on any roads. I have tentatively scheduled this trip for the end of April and beginning of May.
When I initially posted about the trip I asked if anyone was going to go with me. I had one solid response from Mike Arnold, a friend I use to work with, and another response from my younger brother, Mike (Don) Mathews, who is seriously considering it. Since that time, I have been getting more excited as each day passes and the time draws near. During this past month, watching YouTube videos, reading web blogs and visiting web sites about these trails and the people who have done it in the past have been the bulk of my time online. Now the holidays are over and it is the first of the year. I have just under four months to go and need to start my preparations.
One of the first things I need to do is trim down my personal weight. This morning I weighed myself to look down at the scale and see 180 pounds even. By the start of the trip my plans are to be at a prime weight of 155 pounds. Portion control, drinking strictly water, and exercise will be the start of this endeavor. For those that know me... a regular exercise routine, outside of riding my bike, will be the biggest challenge.
There are many other things on the agenda for preparations, but this is the first post of many to come. This blog will be the place to follow me during these preparations, the trip itself and afterwards.
I look forward to the challenge. Here we go...
