Back to the Beginning of the Journey

My name is Mark Furches.  I completed this bicycle tour in October of 2016.  I wrote various journal entries during my camp time, but I never got around to posting any photos or blog entries until now.  So, back to the beginning with the 1st entry in my journal.

1st Journal Entry - June 18, 2016

I have decided on an approximate date of departure for the Continental Divide Mountain Biking Tour.  I will leave in early August after Mike, Mary Jane, and Marathana come down for a visit in July.  A specific date will be chosen as the time draws near.  My dad intends to drive me up to the starting location in Banff, Alberta, Canada.  Most of my things are in order, and at this time I have about 1 month to continue prepping.  This route will take me from Banff, Alberta, Canada to the Mexican border at Columbus, New Mexico.  I may decide to keep riding back home to Pensacola, FL once I reach Columbus, New Mexico.

Of primary importance at this juncture of preparation, I need to compile a list of the items that I need to take with me on the trek.  So, here it goes:

Checkmarks indicate that I took the items with me, at least initially, on the trip.  X-marks indicate that I decided not to take the item with me due to redundancies, unnecessariness, and weight issues.