This morning I loaded up the reconditioned frame for the Roadtrek and delivered it to “Cobra Shop”

It is only a short drive from O.O.C. (Olga Outdoor Center) to the Cobra Shop. Full glass of ice-cold Sweetea (Truvia of course), climate control on 72 degrees, NPR on the stereo and my “Gypsy” (Garmin 276c – GPS) giving me directions in her soft, sexy, voice… As soon as I drove up, Mike and Tim greeted me with instructions to back my trailer right in the door “Be careful of that custom truck next to the door. We just painted her and that is a six thousand dollar job.” <gulp> I inched my way carefully through the tight passageway. Success. No scratches and I was safely inside the shop…

It took my eyes a few seconds to adjust to the relatively dark shop after coming in from the full Florida sun. At first I didn’t see Rusty Voyageur. Aha. There he is, way back in the corner. He was a little embarrassed at having me see him as his butt was sticking up in the air at a rather unnatural angle. Voyageur is kind of shy.

I felt as if I was visiting a beloved family member in pre-op. It sure is a wonderful thing, knowing Voyageur will soon be carrying Lucy and me safely down the winding back roads of the U.S.A. (Makes me think of Dinah Shore). I had a short visit with the crew and discussed some last minute details. I asked Tim how long it would be before I could pick Voyageur up. He replied “Less than two weeks.” Fantastic. Now I can head home and finish preparations for our Land Rover based – tent camping trip to Wekiwa Springs State Park. First project was to install Lucy’s anniversary gift.. a leather BROOKS – “B17 S” – saddle…

The “B17 S” is specially designed for a lady rider. I know it will provide a comfortable ride for Lucy for many, many miles…

Three day prep for a four day trip…

Tent camping anytime takes a lot of planning, purchasing and packing. Summertime tent camping takes even more preparation because of the fan and five-gallon water cooler that we carry. We freeze two large Tupperware bowls, full of filtered water, a couple of days before  our departure. Just before we leave we put the ice from the two bowls into our five gallon Igloo water – barrel and then fill it with more R.O. filtered water. We usually have ice as long as three days after we leave. It is important to set the cask in the shade…

In the background you can see Lucy’s Land Rover. Hers is pouting because – again – she has to stay home. These vehicles are not large and their gear space is quite limited. Careful packing and utilization of space is crucial…

Lucy has chosen to ride “Grocery Getter” her Giant 870, a gift from JRA Cycles in Punta Gorda, Florida

First thing in the morning I will install our “Hollywood” bike rack and our two bikes. The loaded bikes make it difficult to open the rear door. We are really looking forward to our trip and getting to spend some time unwinding in the cool, clear spring water… It always takes me a full day just to “come-down” from all the get ready work. In this case, knowing our Roadtrek is well on the way to recovery will make relaxing even easier. We will post photos from our adventure…

Best wishes from,

“Spokes-model” Lucy and “Spokesman” Dave