Here are some things I’ve learned about long distance touring so far:
1. It doesn’t appear to be a weight-loss program. Sure the legs are now made of steel, but the bit in the middle doesn’t seem to want to go. He and his stomach can now leap buildings in a single bound!
2. Don’t skimp on the lube. It’s the only thing between you and the dread chafing.
3. Maintaining your ‘form’ when pedaling is vital for efficiency. Nice and smooth revolutions gets you up any hill.
4. Keep your hands on the brakes down hill. And, conversely keep your hands on the bar-ends up hill.
5. A cadence of between 80 and 90 seems to suit me. Change gear accordingly.
6. Stop when you like. It’s not a race.
7. Wear a hat with a peak. It soaks up the sweat and keeps the rain or sun out of your eyes.
8. Always wear gloves. Your hands will be the first things that get it when you come off.
9. Stand up out of the saddle down hill. As long as it’s not too fast, it gives things a chance to air and you can stretch out the calf muscles.
10. Honk your Honker at least once a day. The following is a non-definitive list of the effect on some animals: Bears, bemused. Moose, never Honk a moose, especially with children. Cows, not bothered. Sheep, not bothered. Goats, not bothered. Horses, slightly bothered. An ass looked up, but I don’t think it was bothered. And crows positively stare you down. The research continues.
Let’s try another video…
Anything?
Love
Pete
Patagonia Pete 
Gosh, yes – that’s amazing. A terrific sense of speed, you really are moving, aren’t you? And glimpses of pedalling feet – well, a pedalling foot, to be accurate – adds a very personal touch!
Wow, looks stunning, you’re going to have a very impressive cycling tan at the end of your tour. There’s just something about clear blue skies and the sea lapping at feet that is just unbeatable, you can keep your spralling metropolis. Is good in a convertible but on a bike, that’s what it’s all about.
I recently fitted bar ends on my hybrid, makes such a difference on the hills, although my daily grind up Muswell Hill never gets easier.
Still jealous, still full of admiration!
Great vid! I can almost feel the gentle sea breeze and the warm sun…
Vid works here, looks lovely if a little challenging for one of my hair colour. Your Posts RSS feed has broken though, around day 42. Comments still works though!
Only just discovered your mapmytour link (downside of using RSS i guess!) cool stuff! I hope you are now listening to Creedence now you are in the Dude’s county.
I think you need a high HR activity to shift abdominal fat, its a stubborn bugger. More hills needed!
Keep on honkin’!
PS, third interview went well-ish yesterday but team boss is off sick – what timing! Should hopefully be back later in the week so i will find out if i am gainfully employed then…
Update – i start a week on monday!
Fantastic! You can now afford to stop eating cat food. Are you working remotely or at an office?
Pete Coombes
http://www.patagoniapete.com petecoombes@mac.com Skype:pcoombes
At an office – it will have been 11 years since i did 5 days a week in one, but its a 20 min public transport commute or a 30min walk. They have cycle parking too which will probably be my main method once i get used to it.
Yes – video is working nicely now, looks beautiful, wish I was there…!
All the best – Cookie
Hi Mate I look at your progress every morning on the way to work and always am very envious ! Good to see you on video, can we have a few more action scenes E.g The Honking in action. Keep it up and enjoy the redwoods there’re prety cool ey. Cheers Jim
The redwoods are totally awsome, if only the damn Harley’s would shut up for five seconds!
I’ll try and honk and video at the same time, buy frankly, that level of production usually requires a full OB crew and probably Attenborough. I’ll see what I can do.
Glad you’re still enjoying the blog. Love to all the family.
Pete
Sent from my iPhone