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just dropped Arya off at the airport with her new bike (that has not been pedaled more than to adjust the saddle height) so that she can ride it 3000 miles from Canada to Mexico on her second attempt at completing the GDMR. I am so proud of her, I love these ideas she gets. it was kinda the deal when I headed to tucson for 2 months over the winter that she would get to do this while I handled the factory duties in waterbury during her absence. lucky to have such a lovely and understanding partner in ol’ Namz (thats what I call her). we are joined at the hip when we are together, but seem to like to test what we can do apart sometimes.

our friend Sam and Tony will be riding with her, and they are attempting to do about 130 miles a day — wild to me — but thats what they want to do to reach their goal. granted there is 16 and a half hours of daylight and pedal is all you have to do all day. that and eat gas station food. it all sounds great to me except the gas station food. and I am fairly certain my taint could not handle it. Arya’s is durable — I am sure she would not mind me telling you that.

she fully committed 8 weeks ago, and she’s been putting in 200 plus mile weeks ever since … but no back to back 130 mile days. suppose you “race” into that kinda shape. can’t do much more on a working stiff’s schedule.

she’s got that kinda brain where she can just keep pedaling. that attribute is equally as valuable as a durable taint in rides like this.

I built this bike up for her the day before she left. our life mantra : if it weren’t for the last minute, when would anything get done? /// a reason we get along so well I suppose.

the build came out pretty nice. small fabs chest and frame bag in olive cotton faced x11, and a Rivendell sackville banana sack in the rear. all things we make at the factory. tires are the new cava 650bx55 and a mars up front — both in robusto casing. gearing is a 42-24 up front and a 9 speed 11-34 in the rear. Paul touring cantis and some nitto 151 bars that I flared. oh Randi jo bar tender bags on the stem.

look for her on track leaders!