LessonsLearned

<BODY BACKGROUND="becausewecan_i000004.jpg" TEXT=#000080 LINK=#0000FF VLINK=#800040 BGCOLOR=#F0F0F0 > <BASE TARGET="_top"> <DIV ALIGN=center class=s0 style='text-align: center;margin-left: 20mm;margin-right: 71mm;'> <FONT style='font-size:20pt;'>2002 Santa Barbara Tour </FONT></DIV> <DIV class=s0 style='margin-left: 20mm;margin-right: 71mm;'>  </DIV> <DIV class=s60 style='margin-left: 20mm;margin-right: 71mm;'> <B></B><FONT style='font-size:14pt;font-weight:normal;'>General Observations:  We’re going to consider changing to touring specific bikes for better wheels, front racks and comfort.  Rick wants to change from the trailer to panniers. The trailer seemed awkward and, although it’s not critical, it was nearly impossible, due to balance, to stand in the pedals on hills.  Should have taken more pictures of the breathtaking views and had both of us in more shots.  The HP camera was too large and difficult to get out.  Consequently we kept putting off taking photos.  We’ll consider a smaller camera.  Sweatshirts were good; jeans were too bulky and heavy.  As mentioned early on, we need some work on camp cooking and will definitely give more thought to food next trip.  The stove worked well, but we needed more fuel.  We really liked the tent because the rain fly formed a vestibule on each side that we used for storing the gear at night.   Didn’t need the emergency lantern or candles.  The Cannondale handlebar bags were excellent.  Should have had equipment to repair spokes, small screwdrivers and a rag.  Will consider a bike multi-tool.  We had extra batteries for the flashlights, but needed extra bulbs.  We should have had a much better first aid kit and we needed fingernail clippers, a needle and thread & tent repair kit.  Baby wipes were very good as were the “tea bag like” coffee bags.  The bike cover was lightweight and served both as a tarp and bike protection.  Starting the day early is very important.  A significant observation for us was how much more you see, hear and feel while touring by bike.  It was outstanding.  This was, by the way, a great short route/tour if time is limited. </FONT></DIV> <DIV class=s60 style='margin-left: 20mm;margin-right: 71mm;'> <FONT style='font-size:14pt;font-weight:normal;'> </FONT></DIV> <DIV class=s60 style='margin-left: 20mm;margin-right: 71mm;margin-top: 1mm;margin-bottom: 1mm;'> <FONT style='font-size:14pt;font-weight:normal;'>Journal Entries: </FONT></DIV> <DIV class=s60 style='margin-left: 20mm;margin-right: 71mm;margin-top: 1mm;margin-bottom: 1mm;'> <FONT style='color:#0000FF;font-size:14pt;font-weight:normal;'>3/29/02 </FONT></DIV> <DIV class=s60 style='margin-left: 20mm;margin-right: 71mm;margin-top: 1mm;margin-bottom: 1mm;'> <FONT style='color:#0000FF;font-size:14pt;font-weight:normal;'>3/30/02 </FONT></DIV> <DIV class=s60 style='margin-left: 20mm;margin-right: 71mm;margin-top: 1mm;margin-bottom: 1mm;'> <FONT style='color:#0000FF;font-size:14pt;font-weight:normal;'>3/31/02 </FONT></DIV> <DIV class=s60 style='margin-left: 20mm;margin-right: 71mm;margin-top: 1mm;margin-bottom: 1mm;'> <FONT style='color:#0000FF;font-size:14pt;font-weight:normal;'>4/01/02 </FONT></DIV> <DIV class=s60 style='margin-left: 20mm;margin-right: 71mm;margin-top: 1mm;margin-bottom: 1mm;'> <FONT style='color:#0000FF;font-size:14pt;font-weight:normal;'>4/02/02 </FONT></DIV> <DIV class=s60 style='margin-left: 20mm;margin-right: 71mm;margin-top: 1mm;margin-bottom: 1mm;'> <FONT style='color:#0000FF;font-size:14pt;font-weight:normal;'>4/03/02 </FONT></DIV> <DIV class=s60 style='margin-left: 20mm;margin-right: 71mm;margin-top: 1mm;margin-bottom: 1mm;'> <FONT style='color:#0000FF;font-size:14pt;font-weight:normal;'>4/04/02 </FONT></DIV> <DIV class=s60 style='margin-left: 20mm;margin-right: 71mm;margin-top: 1mm;margin-bottom: 1mm;'> <FONT style='color:#0000FF;font-size:14pt;font-weight:normal;'> </FONT></DIV> <DIV class=s43 style='margin-left: 20mm;margin-right: 71mm;margin-top: 1mm;margin-bottom: 1mm;'> <FONT style='color:#0000FF;font-size:14pt;font-weight:normal;'></FONT><FONT style='color:#0000FF;font-size:13pt;font-weight:normal;'><A class=s43 HREF="becausewecan_000004.htm">Back to  </FONT><FONT style='color:#000080;font-size:13pt;font-weight:normal;'>2002 Santa Barbara Tour</A> </FONT></DIV>