Introducing Socrates

It’s funny. I did my first bike tour in celebration of my 40th birthday, back in 2018. Soon I’ll be departing on my third in three years. A little shy of birthday #43, but close enough.

This year, I’ll be riding the Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail(s). It’s an approximately 250 mile ride from St. Petersburg, FL to Titusville, FL. (Or vice versa if you prefer.) It’s mostly off-road trail, which is nice. About 30 miles isn’t, which is Ok.

I’ve decided to document my adventures more formally this time, and perhaps write an article about these adventures. So that will mean lots of pictures along the way.

I decided to take a few pictures tonight to introduce folks to Socrates. Socrates is the bike I built at my local bike co-op for my Canada bike trip back in 2018. (more here)

He’s rough and tough: made from a lugged steel Nashbar frame. 2″ x 26″ tires. Good for road cycling or a little off-roading too. We may struggle a bit on hills, which is as much his fault as mine. But he can haul a hell of a load. He’s got front and back racks, and can handle all of my camping gear.

Obviously he’s nearly naked in these pictures, with only a frame bag right now. Sunday morning he’ll look quite different.

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Socrates and I have been putting in some light miles before the trip. I need to make sure my fenders and racks are tightened up, but otherwise he’s riding smoothly!