Am focusing on shifting and getting better at it. I think. Stayed in 2-7 to 2-4 for most of my 18+ km home. When I had to, I shifted into 1-5 to 1-4. Seemed easier and more natural. I don't think I once even thought about shifting into third gear. Maintained an average speed of 19 kph. Not wildly fast, but I make my train and that is about the pace I want to maintain while touring.
You might have noticed that I am using metric distances. My generation was supposed to the one that joined the rest of the world in a single measuring system. Well that didn't happen. So I am forcing myself to start thinking in metric so that when I am on the road in Belgium, I don't have to get out the calculator.
The following is a paragraph taken from bicycletouringshop.com
When planning a tour the best place to start is to ask yourself why you want to tour? Is it to see someplace you’ve never been before or to ride in familiar territory? Are you seeking adventure or do you just want a leisurely ride in comfortable surroundings? Do you want to challenge yourself physically and mentally, or ride 30 miles/day and end each day snuggled in a Bed and Breakfast? The questions are many and you should try to answer them all so you can understand your motives.
I have been thinking about these questions for the past couple days. Belgium is one of my favorite places that I have ever visited. They have great beer. They speak English (at least a lot do). The country is mostly flat and has great bike routes and bike culture. Maybe because of my age and relative cycling inexperience, I think this trip will be an adventure even though the pace will be pretty leisurely. I don't plan on challenging myself by deliberately riding up the steepest, longest grade I can find, BUT neither do I plan on riding great distances out of my way just to stay away from hills. I hope not to camp. I won't have a tent so barring an unfortunate turn of events, I will be snuggled into a bed and breakfast as often as possible. Hotels are okay, but generally they are more expensive, and less personal
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