Vancouver to Mexico: DONE!

2100 miles, 3 flats, one fall (Ross stuck in his kleets at a traffic light), a few tears (mostly Ross’s when he fell at the traffic lights), 38 packets of trail mix, too much coffee, and a few tails to tell the grandkids.

It’s not about the numbers though. It’s about living in the moment, about the stories, about the adventure. Being on the road with someone you love, with nothing more than a bike, a tent and a few spare t-shirts. The simple life is rewarding.

The road treated us well and the final ride was both a sad and happy trail. We’ll miss the people we have met, the wind in our faces and the ever changing scenery evolving in front of us. We’ll pack the bikes away very grateful for the dreams they helped us discover. On to the next chapter now though, a winter surfing in Costa Rica awaits. We will continue our blog so stay tuned and thank you to all our followers so far.

Here is a little 3 minute video highlighting the best bits from our adventures. http://youtu.be/b1cMvFjSCIM.

Doing the do

Our journey to Campovida, the venue of The Do Lectures USA;
Nosara to San Jose 5hr drive in a hire car for an overnight stay with old school friend Myfanwy Davies
San Jose to Los Angeles for breakfast
Los Angeles to San Francisco for lunch
San Francisco by bus and a final car journey to Campovida for dinner

We are back at the stunning winery and gardens at Campovida in Hopland, Sonoma, California. This is where Part One of our bike ride ended 6 weeks ago.

We are lucky enough to be a part of the awesome team organising and hosting The Do lectures USA . This series of talks will inspire the world to go and do something that they have always dreamed of. The speakers share their stories, the attendees get inspired, and the talks go online to the website linked above for the world to watch for free. We have both volunteered at The Do Lectures in Wales over the last four years, and when we found out we would be in northern California on our bike ride we made sure to time it with the Do Lectures USA. This is the third Do Lectures USA and we are so excited for the event to kick off on Thursday. Check out the 1 minute video which is a snapshot into the work it takes to get ready.

What’s in Ross’ panniers…

Alice had a top 37 things in her pannier, I have a top 11 in order of most importance. You may notice there’s a lot of things that go in my belly, it’s hungry work this cycling lark.

1) Welsh Flag – Always representing! I have a Welsh dragon pair of boxers too, and if enough women (or men) like this post I’ll post a picture of me in them 😉

2) Lager – After six hours in the saddle, one of these little buggers caressing your dry throat is a almost as good as a thigh/arse massage.

3) Banana – If my mam were here she’d say “you’ll end up looking like a banana if you eat any more of those” But she also used to say my eyes would go square from watching to much TV, so I’m gonna keep at em.

4) Merino underwear by Finisterre – Lightweight, super comfy, I’ve actually ridden in them for a few days straight and they don’t smell, honest, ask Alice.

5) Coffee – Eye opening stuff! Black, two sugars (level teaspoon) in my own man cup is the perfect start to the day. I’m positive it’s helping me get up some of these hills.

6) Sunnies – Not one bug in the eye yet!

7) Head torch (Bear spotter) – I’ve scrambled round the tent on many spooky night looking for this bad boy to check out the noise outside. No bears yet though. It also helps with evening reading and doing other things in the dark.

8) Pioneer Mix – Man I go through some of these. Feels like I’ve got nuts in my mouth all day;) waahaay… Very nutritious I’ll have you know.

9) Finisterre Jacket – Early morning descents have been exhilarating and comfortable, campfires have been a joy and it’s a bloody awesome pillow.

10) Sharkies – Organic all natural energy sweets that remind me of one of my best mates cos he’s got an unhealthy love for the men in grey suits.

11) It’s low on the list because it hasn’t been super hot yet but I know it’s gonna save my forehead real soon. Smells like coconut.

Getting to know Catherine Bruhwiler

Catherine is a professional surfer, mother of two and co-owner of a family business: Bruhwiler Surf School in Tofino, BC and owns her own stand up paddle board school called SUP Tofino, yep she’s a busy lady.

Catherine grew up in Tofino and began surfing as a child on a piece of plywood, and at that time was one of the very few female surfers in the waves. Since then, she has championed the female Canadian surf world and travelled the world to compete and play.

We sat down with her on the west coast of Canada and asked her the IPOS questionairre…

Full name? Catherine Bruhwiler

Occupation? Full time Surf and SUP instructor

Where are you right now? At home, just got out of the shower after a surf. My daughter is playing the fiddle for me and my son is packing for a camping surf trip tonight.

What woke you up this morning? My alarm clock at 7 am. Good thing you didn’t ask me yesterday, I got up at 4:15 for a sunrise tour.

What’s stoking your fire today? Remote surf camp with outward bound kids tomorrow and camping with my kids

What scares you? My kids in danger, that’s it

What sound do you love? Waves and silence too

What sound do you hate? Arguing people,especially my own kids

Who or what is outstanding in your eyes? Humble generous and talented humans

If heaven exists, what would you like God to say to you as you arrive at the pearly gates? You can get lots of sleep here 🙂

Things we learnt on the farm