Trailer Trouble

Crud, the trailer arrival has been delayed twice over the last 2 weeks.  Regrouping and ordering off Amazon.  Fingers crossed because if this doesn't show up we are in a tough spot.  We have to leave and will have no time to have another one shipped.

Bicycling to St. Ignace (and back). Say What?

What are we made of?  We are not sure, but we will find out.  We have always been conservative and safe.  But now at 47 years old (and 10), its time to step out of the box.  We decided to make this roughly 800 mile bicycle journey because it will push us physically and mentally.  It will keep us fit and get Charlie out from behind that blasted Xbox.  (Ha!)  We also hope to be inspired to make further changes in life.  There will be smells, people, sounds and other small things that go unnoticed in the sterile existence we have created.  There most likely be heat, cold and rain too.  lol.  If for some reason we don't make it to the Upper Peninsula, then that's OK too.  We will have one heck of an experience over 2 weeks of riding that will add to our journey in life.  We have a goal though.

We Bought A Tandem

We had a tandem lined up from Trek but there were only 8 in the country.  3 days later there were none.  CURSES!  Mary Jean did some quick digging and found the one we wanted in Grand Haven, MI.  They were able to transfer it to Kalamazoo for pick up.  She saved the day. 

Why a tandem?  Its a safer way to ride with Charlie.  He and I will ride the tandem and Mary Jean will be on her bike. We are going to load up both with gear and a trailer with a tent and supplies. 

Deciding On Change

For many reasons it is time to make changes.  We have had many discussions over the years on what we can do to jump out of the rat race and have more quality in this short life.  Unfortunately, we never acted... until now. 

We don't need stuff, we need us.  So we will be frugal by riding more, driving less, eating lighter and more from the garden.  We trust these things will help change the focus from work and survival... to living and spirituality. 

We have made sacrifices to pay off debt.  Mary Jean has retired from her job and will find more fulfilling work in time.  Until then, she can spend more time with Charlie and focus on the things she always wanted to do, but didn't have the time to accomplish.  We can't stop the rat race, but we are going to step out of it as much as possible.  We are simple people seeking a simple lifestyle.

We Are Not Bloggers

We are not into blogging but thought this would a great way to journal our trip for ourselves.  Also, it will be easier for family members who don't use Facebook to see what we're up to on the ride.  We will post a link to our Facebook status update as well.  When the ride is over... we are kicking the blog to the curb.