Hauling BOB

Today I took my 20-year old Jamis Dakar to Big Shark to have it cleaned, tuned-up, and outfitted as necessary. The guy who helped me said the bike was in excellent condition and that my trek from the Arch to Tor House would be a remarkable end to the bike's career. I was impressed that he didn't try to sell me stuff just to make a sale. In fact: I had already anticipated the necessary items: handlebar extensions, a new seat, thinner tires, a second rack for a second water bottle. The only extra the bike guy suggested was new gear cables. I mentioned brakes and spokes, for example, but all is well, he said.

Also, after a lot of research on panniers vs. trailers, and on the suggestion of the bike guy, I bought a BOB trailer for hauling my stuff:

I'll be picking up my bike, along with the BOB, next Saturday, at which time I'll start biking with trailer in tow, so when I start the trek May 13 or 14, I'll be accustomed to the rig.