Plan, Plan and Plan Some More!

Bike . . . check.

Helmet . . . check.

Gloves . . . check.

Raincoat . . . check.

Wind breaker . . . check.

Maps . . . check.

Snacks . . . check.

Lodging . . . check.

Camera . . . check.

Film . . . don't need that any more!

Computer . . . check.

First Aid kit . . . check.

Phone . . . check.

Bible . . . check.

Chapstick . . . check.

Extra tires and tubes . . . check.

Chamois Butter . . . check.

Biking jerseys and shorts . . . check.

Tools . . . check.

Locks and cable . . . check.

Road ID . . . check.

Margaret . . . check.

Sunglasses . . . check.

Toothbrush & clean-up kind of stuff . . . check.

T-shirts . . . check.

Flashlight . . . check.

Jeans (1 pr.) . . . check.

Shoes . . . check.

Water bottles . . . check.

Oh yes, we're still planning and will be planning until April of next year. Planning is not the same as doing however. Doing is so much more fun, exciting, and all those other words that apply to incredible. But . . . planning is absolutely necessary. Jesus said in Luke 14:28, "But don't begin until you count the cost." That's planning. When Jesus said that, he was speaking to great crowds and speaking about the cost to follow him. He used building a house and going to war as his illustrations. Since planning works for building houses and winning wars I know it will work for pedaling as well. Henceforth we plan.

We are into maps again . . . big time. We will use much of the 2009 route but there will be changes. The first big change will come when we pedal through Michigan. I've pedaled through Michigan, from Lansing to St. Ignace, five times. The ride is DALMAC (Dick Allen Lansing to Mackinaw) and on the fifth and final day riders are allowed to pedal across Michigan's Mackinac Bridge. Up there they call it "Big Mac." Call it what you will, it is a great ride just crossing the bridge! On our 2012 ride we'll not be allowed to cross the five mile long bridge since bikes are not permitted anytime other than the Labor Day weekend when DALMAC riders cross. We will get to the Upper Peninsula though.

Another big change will be riding Route 2 from the Upper Peninsula westward. I'm also thinking about somehow, when we get to Idaho, riding across the state on the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes. Why? Very good reason: last ride Jonathan Wentworth and I rode it and it was all uphill. It wasn't bad since the grade was never greater than three percent but I'm just thinking, downhill for ninety-two miles! How cool is that? After all, I've earned the downhill because I pedaled up the ninety-two mile ride last trip, didn't I? That should count for something.

Our last big change will be to not stop at Anacortes, Washington. Instead we'll board a ferry so we can finish the ride at Neah Bay where a person is almost surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. Can't wait!

Camping again will be the usual, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Fairfield Inn, plus a few of the one-of-a-kind lodges such as Shamrock Inn at Long Lake, New York, Sportsman Motel in Twisp, Washington, and the log Hotel Lincoln in Lincoln, Montana, all of which will be meticulously scoped out by Margaret before any financial transactions are made. I can also guarantee you there will be no tents or sleeping bags in our supplies. As I said before, "Traveling with The Queen has its perks."

Our food philosophy will be the same as before: No chain or franchise food establishments. You just can't beat places like Trixi's near Ovando, Montana, the Sub Shop in Twisp, Washington, The Brass Rail in Grandy, Minnesota, Nauti Hawg near Diamond Bluff, Wisconsin, Rumble Seats in Spring Green, Wisconsin, The Wishing Well in Odell, Illinois, Gullace's Ice Cream & Cafe in Bloomfield, New York, "the good table restaurant" in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and The Lobster Shack in Cape Elizabeth as well. There are another hundred or more that I could name but room doesn't permit it. And, just so you'll know, my spell-check is going crazy with these restaurant names!

So we are planning. We're buying a few things too. We've purchased a new bike rack that mounts in our hitch receiver and holds two bikes. That leaves the four racks on top of the Explorer for two-wheeled treasures we may find along the way. Margaret has purchased a new Kindle. I don't think you can wear out a Kindle but she's trying. So just in case, a new one is on its way to our home. You wouldn't want your Kindle to burn out midway across Montana now, would you? Tires? Yep, and tough, almost puncture-proof tires too. A new bike? Got that! We also have a new camera to record America's beauty, critters, and down-to-earth citizens. Saving money for the trip is a good plan so we're doing that. I'm bringing my indoor trainer upstairs this week so I can pedal some at home. Being on a trainer is nothing like the real thing but it is exercise. Of course, there's no breeze, no sunshine, no rain, no dogs, no smells, no hills, and other outside stuff but, as I said, it is exercise.

Planning for this ride for me is like saying sic 'em to a dog. The more I plan, the more ready I am. Some days I simply want to load the bikes and other stuff on and in the Explorer and go! I already said it would be fun and exciting but fun and exciting does not mean it will be easy. There will be wind, rain, maybe some snow, hills (some up, some down), traffic, some dogs (I hope just a few), and mountains. We'll get into the White Mountains of New Hampshire and the Green Mountains of Vermont early in the ride. They are tough but the downhills are rewarding and exhilarating, especially when it's cool! It's work that's for sure. It's also a blast because of the people we'll meet, the food we'll eat, the scenery we'll see and photograph, and the memories we'll make. I'm praying that God will allow me to invest this ride in eternity. As I enjoy his handiwork I also want to share him. I know everyday will be another revival in my heart like it was before. I also want to share the goodness and love of God as I pedal. Lord, use me in a great way!

The cost has been counted and the cost is high. But from past experience, I know the dividends will be naturally and supernaturally high as well.

Jesus said, "And you cannot be my disciple if you do not carry your own cross and follow me. But don't begin until you count the cost" (Luke 14:27-28).

Fail to plan, plan to fail!