After each tour I go through and make some determinations of things to change with some additions and some deletions.

Training: This year I was uncertain about which tour to do and when.  My decision for the MUP was a last minute thing since my schedule was so uncertain this summer.  I felt like I had a good base going , but I had two injuries (calf and upper arm) that gave me some restful weeks recuperating.  I felt my strength increase during the tour and these layoffs was probably the reason why.  

It had been three years since I did an organized tour due to COVID postponements. Before the last tours I was working in a physical demanding job and that added to my strength.

           For next tour I would work on building my strength and do at least one ride of week of three or more hours.

Gear:   I could not find my list from the last tour, so I created a new one.  I did well an did not miss any essential items.  
        Items that I was glad that I packed.  
            1. Orange vest.  This help my phone and made me more visible.
            2.  Neon Green windbreaker: Needed it on colder mornings. Pocket and visibility.
            3. Fleece buff: Good for cooler nights and mornings.
            4. Cloud 9 Seat: springs, gel and wider. I did not get so pounded during the day.
           5. Long johns and fleece socks:  Good for sleeping  on cooler nights.
           6. Waterproof gloves:  Were nice on the rainy and cold morning.
            7. Rubber gloves:  Worked great for packing up the dewy tent.
            8. Two battery bricks to charge phones.

       Items packed and not used.
           1.  A second headlamp.  One was enough
           2. Zip off pants. One pair was good for camp nights.
           3. Leg warmers. These were in my handlebar bag. I could do without them.
           4. Spare tire. Probably would not need it.
           5. Coffee thermos cup was used only one day.

       Items to be sure to bring next year.
          1.  3 pairs of undies for evening.  These got left in my car.
          2. TP.  Several times confronted with no supply in the stall.
          3. Water bladder.  I needed more convenience with the tube.

What I was pleased  with in camp.:  Besides the gear mentioned above.
       1. Taking Aleve to help the body feel better. 1 Tab in AM and 1 in PM.
       2. I slept well. 
       3. I kept my duffel bags outside the tent.  This gave me plenty of space inside.
       4.  I packed up quickly in the morning and set up quick in afternoon.
       5. Got started about 7:30-8:00. 
       6. My pace was consistent through tour and similar to previous years.
       7. I did not have any big lunches and the breakfast was not too big.

What do I wish I did differently.
        1. I wish I was faster and did not have to do so much walking on steep hills.
        2. Not eat so much at supper.
        3. Remember names better.
​        4. May take an ebike next hilly tour.

I am glad that I wrote these down as part of my tour journal. 

This is a National Historic Landmark. The distinctive roofing indicates something different.  This was a Russian settlement from the mid 1800s.  An interesting stop for sure.

From the Midwest I think of sandy California beaches.  Are there surfers? We have surfers on Lake Michigan.

Monte Rio is on the Russian River.  I did a virtual bike training ride through the Russian River Valley on Bike-O-Vision.  Monte Rio is like many towns that developed along a train route.  The Northern Pacific Coast Railroad used to travel through here.  Lumbering was big industry and that is gone.  Monte Rio has survived and the residents love it. 

The railroad used to come through Occidental too bringing vacationers from San Francisco.  Still an attractive place to visit.

For many years the Europeans did not settle here until 1812 when Russian fur traders came down from Alaska.  When Mexico took control in 1841, the Russians moved out. In 1850 California became a state.

I wanted to see this place because it has been used in films.  One of my favorites is the Alfred Hitchcock The Birds. The town is named for the Spanish explorer who traveled up and down the coast during the 1700s.

Near Point Reyes National Seashore in western Marin County.  I remember visiting this area during a visit to SF.