The mantra of any touring cyclist: Stay Flexible! Oh, and KISS: Keep It Simple Sam!

Well, actually, in spite of some challenges, everything turned out fine! Sometimes I worry too much but maybe that's what keeps me on my toes and breeds success. So after a start that was almost a bust, I arrived in New Orleans in good shape and on schedule.

1. So, as we learn again, Mechanical Issues can Zap You: I am fortunate to have a background in engineering . . . and friends who can help in a pinch! Especially one, Lee Mitchel (who biked the Natchez Trace with me back in 2014), who experienced a frame failure that required a weld-repair back during a tour of the Adirondack Mountains. And then my Central Control support, Mark who was home working, helped me find welders . . . all of that support helped save the day. But ultimately, it fell on Kenneth Daughtry Welding to put the bike back together again! Thanks Ken!
2. Now, Time to buy a New Bike!: I am going to miss my Cannondale T2000. I purchased it in 1998 and it has been my steady ride ever since. I will need to memorialize it somehow so if you have an idea, message me please! That said, I am on the hunt for a new touring bike and will likely get a Surly Long-Haul Trucker (no disc brakes!). Mark, Lee, and Jerry each have one and are happy (as are most Surly owners). Just got to get the right size (56 or 58 cm).
3. Solo Cycling: This was a relatively easy solo ride. I planned it to be relatively "short" (only 3-1/2 weeks) with fun places to hang out in and enjoy the weather. The hanging out part was easy and I make friends easily, but the weather could have cooperated a bit more.
4. Yes, Weather, Cooperate!: But that said, there was only one bad rain day, and while on some days, the temperature could have been better, all-in-all it was fine. We are just having a bad year as winter won't go away. It was in the low 30's this morning here in Arlington . . . in late April. Crazy!

   So I guess I failed, somewhat, with one of my goals: to get out of the cold we have here in Washington . . . especially since it was still here on my return! Mark and I have discussed places that will have "guaranteed" warm weather but there are few within the continental 48 except for southern Florida . . . which I am "biked-out" on right now! Not that I won't return, but I have my eyes on Puerto Rico and maybe, just maybe, New Zealand . . .