Preparing for a week long tour

Bike Touring

Well I have decided to try and ride from Edmonton to Jasper, tenting along the way. About 4 decades ago I did several different tours in North America, but that’s a long time ago!

The first thing I have to decide, is if my old repainted custom made #BobJackson touring bike, is ready and able to handle it. I did some research and know that when the opportunity arises I will buy Shimano SLX parts to replace the old parts. Right now it has Shimano 600 front and rear derailleurs which work with friction bar end shifters. Old TA cranks 46,42,28 setup with half step plus granny with a 13-30 cassette 7 speed. Brakes are some old side pull Campy with an old #BrooksPro seat. I put some low riders on the front and a rear rack with 3 water bottle cages. One for the bear spray, one for the tool kit and one for the stove fuel. If I have a mechanical I should be able to handle most everything.

Panniers front and rear, are new from MEC and I will use my old red Kirkland front handlebar bag. I will have a small pack on my back, with a Camelback in it. I have decided not to take my DSLR, but just to use my old i-phone for pictures and texts.

Bike is ready and I know the mind will be able to handle it, so that leaves the heart and legs. Body weight is just a little under 20 pounds over racing weight. Personally I feel the knees will be the weak link or will the body remember the tens of thousands of miles it has done in the past, of racing, touring, and commuting? Will the MTB a few hours a week help? We will see!! I have done no specific training other then manual labor at work.
I have a back up plan. I will not likely get more then a 4 hour car drive away from home, so someone can come get me if need be. In older age I tend to think of these things, not like I did when I was young one.