Well, my preparation plans got seriously derailed by a botched iPhone iOS4 update, requiring 15 hours of my time to obsessively work on getting it back to life in time for the trip. Turns out a defense mechanism Apple implemented if the download is corrupt actually is more of an offensive mechanism. It bricks your iPhone completely, requiring the use of a Mac and some hacking software to fix it. Nice work Apple!

Using all my time to fix my phone caused me to stupidly wait until 7:30 last night to test out the tune-up job I had done on Monday. Um… I’ve only adjusted derailleurs once and I did a better job than the shop I used. Oh well, no time to get it fixed or get a refund, so I’ll be spending Friday morning on the streets in SF tweaking out my derailleur.

I got all packed last night, and it appears that Sarah and Kyan are going to have to mount some seats on the rear bumper, because the car is full! Luckily Sarah spotted a great deal on a roof bag at Sears, so I’m going to run over and grab that during lunch. Then it’s a quick load up and go when I get home.

Typically it’s a 5 hour trip to Clovis without traffic, and around 7 with traffic. But now with Kyan on board, I’m curious to see how long it takes. I’m in a serious sleep deficit right now, which crushes performance; so I’m hoping to squeeze out a full 8 before riding. But that’s probably wishful thinking since I still have to grocery shop tonight in Clovis or in the morning in SF.

Ok, enough bitching. How many new Dads get to ride a bike 670 miles less than a month after having a kid? And down the California coastline too! Some of the best views in the world, and the longest days of the year to fully experience it. And with a support vehicle to boot! I’m only riding with about 10 lbs of gear, and in a pinch I could take that down to 5 and still have all I need. The extras weight is just my camera, a netbook, and a cable for my bike lock.

Hoping for a safe, injury free trip, and a new appreciation for our beautiful state.

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