1. Use a "run of the mill" everyday
bike. –I bought a bike at a garage sale for 50
bucks. I wanted to demonstrate that just about any bicycle would be able to
do the trick.
2. Do it in one continuous trip.
This was going to be a thrubike ride. -a continuous multi day full time
journey from beginning to end. Completing the Grand Illinois
trail (GIT) in any form is an accomplishment. I made it a priority to
complete it all at once.
3. Carry everything for the
entire trip with the exception of water. That
includes raingear, food, cooking stove, fuel, sleeping gear and some simple
tools. I set a very balanced 2500 calorie menu (more on this later).
Since I had everything to sleep, eat, and ride, there would be no need to
take much else. I carried about $15 cash and a credit card for emergency
situations.
4. Accept no food or aid as long as the bicycle
is ride-able and within its time limit.
This follows on from the previous rule. If I went out
of my nine day plan,
there was trouble.
5. The trip will not be about how fast it gets
done. It is more about
fitness and the adventure. I thought seven or eight days with no exterior
interference would be appropriate.
6. The total cost for the trip will be less than
$500. That would be total with equipment,
planning, food, fuel, gear, and any incidentals. I wanted to
demonstrate it could be done by anyone on a limited budget. That amount is a
little misleading because I already had most of the lightweight camping
equipment. Make that: $500 for the outfitted bike and food.
Please note: There are no real "rule's" when you ride the Grand Illinois
trail, these were developed just to make the ride a little more interesting.
