Wilson is ruining me (but running so smoothly)…

I did my 2 outings last week (230km), and a bit more over the weekend. The goal when I started the year was to ride 3000km before leaving, and I should be able to reach it.

I’ve worked on packing this weekend, and laid out all the non-clothing items I’m taking with me on the floor in the living room. The cloths will be worked on separately later this week. I’ve also disassembled Wilson and stuffed him in his box. Practice makes perfect, and I don’t want to wait till next Friday or Saturday to find out that something is wrong. I re-assembled it last night before going for a ride to the Old Port. I got it back from ABC Saturday afternoon. They’ve replaced the tires, chain, break wires, break pads, pedalboard (pédalier?), cushions for the triathlon bar, etc. Another huge bill - I'm at my >$1000 on maintenance for the last 2 months. You’ve got to wonder if it wouldn’t be cheaper to drive a car. But on the other hand, I’ve got limited confidence in my mechanical fixing abilities, and I don’t want it to break down at least until Regina, where it’ll be time for another tune up. My dad was an absent-minded mechanic who forgot to pass the mechanic gene on to me.

For the first time, I worry a bit about three months and loneliness. I guess it hit me when Diane phoned to say that she might not be in Regina when I'll pass by. She may actually be Mtl!! Diane is my wife’s niece with whom we feel the closest. My trip is going to be divided in three (or possibly four) segments. Each segment should end with a full tune up for Wilson, and a few days of rest for me (is that the equivalent of a human body tune up?). The first segment is from Vancouver to Regina. I’m now planning to take three books. In addition to Madame B., I’ve added “Le Parfum” de P. Suskind, and another book, which I can’t talk about (too personal).