Gear is key. MacLaren rides a Redline Flight Micro Mini. We combed bike shops in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, California, and Las Vegas and found it was the best bike for someone Mackie's size. The crank arms are extra short at 130mm. His wheels are 18x1 inch; thinner than either mine or his Mom's. The tyre pressure is 110 psi; plenty enough to hold up Mackie's 36 lbs body. The front chainring is 37 teeth while the rear cog is 13t. He only has one gear! It is a sweet ride with a stock weight of 12.6 lbs. However we've added titanium bar-ends as Mackie complained about not having multiple hand positions on one of our 50+ kilometre training rides. We also equipped the bike with a VDO cycling computer that provides odometre, daily trip distance, average speed, maximum speed, and trip time. We intend to post these facts daily.
Michelle is riding a stock Specialized Dolce Vita.
Dad rides a Lemond Reno and gets to pull everyone's gear in a B.O.B. yak cargo trailer upgraded with an 80 psi Kenda Kwest rear tyre off MacLaren's old bike.
Thank-you to MacLaren's Godfather, Daniel. Daniel's brother, Jay, works for The North Face. Gotta give a shout out to The North Face because Daniel loaned us an amazingly light tent for the trip. We are trying to pack light and keep it really simple.
You guys (+ gal) are frigging AMAZING! When Michelle told me you -3- are doing 50+ km training rides, with Mack (sorta) leading the way, my jaw dropped onto the table. Then she said that you are ALL doing THIS ride - Yikes! Looks like you are all decked out, equipment wise. (I might ask for some bike travel advice myself...) Anyhow, GOOD LUCK + SAFE TRIP!
ReplyDeleteYou guys are awesome!
ReplyDeleteI hope your trip is a blast. I'm so looking forward to following along with you as you go.
Xoxo
Jman
You guys are an inspiration and a great example of how families can influence their children in a positive healthy way. Good on you to challenge Mac and spend so much time with him - he'll never forget it!
ReplyDeleteJeff Russo
Fellow Beaver Leader