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The storm before the calm

I hate packing.Since most of my career has been built around pre-planning for the following bike seasons, I find in my personal life, I avoid spending any time organizing ahead of time.
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I hate packing.Since most of my career has been built around pre-planning for the following bike seasons, I find in my personal life, I avoid spending any time organizing ahead of time.

This may be why, instead of loading up my truck with bikes and gear, hoping I have everything I need, and then trying to meet everyone at the right place, I usually ride from home.

I find it much easier to get dressed and ride out the door. I barely even plan my routes anymore. I just ride, and end up where I end up.

No planning, no packing, and no stress.

Chenoa and I are lucky enough to have Jon and Michael on our team now, and since they are awesome at running the shop, we are loading up the bikes and kids and heading south for a riding vacation this winter. We’ll be in California over Christmas and into January, and you can probably imagine how much planning and packing this will take.

Getting our travel trailer ready, tuning up bikes, bringing all the riding clothes and spare parts, and figuring out bike stowage. Do I bring night lights? 27.5” mountain bike or 29er? Trail-a-bike for Regan, or a baby seat?

Oh yeah, It’s Christmas and we need to bring a little tree, have all the presents wrapped ahead of time and hidden in our very small trailer, and help write Rhyley’s letter to Santa, so he knows where to find us.

Does Jon have everything he needs to stay Swicked for six weeks? Do we have leaders for our group rides while we’re gone?

Ahhhhhhh! It’s overwhelming for a guy like me. It makes me want to cancel the trip and just take the easy way out, stay home, and ride in the mud.

Whoa, whoa, whoa … Did I just actually have that thought?

Yep, it’s going to be a bit nuts for the next two weeks and I am sure the drive south with two rug rats will be tough. BUT, then I get five weeks of camping on a beach, riding world class terrain, and basking in the sun with my awesome little family.

No planning, no packing, and no stress.

Nothing comes for free right?

I’m James Durand and I’m Goin’ Ridin’ (after I pack)…