Bellingham, still..

Day 23 GDMBR Thursday July 3rd 2025,

Hello again, the number “23” of the GDMBR is just starting with arriving in the USA! I will continue the counting when really starting the GDMBR in a couple of days.

The Thursday was full of packing and last decisions of what to take and what not to take along. Most is done now! The bike I am taking with me will be the Sonder “Broken Road” Titanium Pinion drivetrain. A bike I did buy after changing my other travel / mountain (type) of bike wasn’t “possible” I bought this particular bike after following Mat Rider a vivid adventure cyclist, although he always says, not being experienced…. Well, I don’t agree. He has very good interesting and funny way of presenting his adventures; for reference a good tip, I think: GDMBR by matt rider: https://youtu.be/oQhh1f7Sn3s Sonder Broken Road: https://youtu.be/-ldKDkNllR0 particular: between 14:31 and 21:44

I only added the suspension front fork with my bike, which I like very much so far. I cycled about 500 km here in Washington state with in total 3500 meters of ascent. Also, the ride from Vancouver back I felt good and despite the 700 meters climbing and the heat and sun, it went very well, also of course because I had such good company; Spencer and Alex! Alex showed me real gems of roads and scenery on our route to his home in Bellingham!

The Thursday is packed with ….. packing all the gear and food onto the Bicycle, which will be a challenge! The sleeping bags and inner liner moved from one of the rear Aeroe bags. This way it is lighter on the steering the bike.

The cloths will go in the left rear Aeroe bag.

The tent and matrass will go in the right rear Aeroe bag. This one is heavier and less influence the balance than on the steering bar.

One of the front bags (6 liter) is used for rainy and cold cloths

The other front bag is for cooking; stove, frying pan, utensils.

The frame bag: Foldable stand, pump, one legged tripod, Otto locks and water filter setup, 3-liter water bladder, which I use with a suction hose (insulated) for drinking during riding. Hanging ropes for bear-bags.

Before I went for some shopping, I helped Alex with the fixing of the cupboard Alex made for him! There was only one problem, the Car I could use had a died battery. So, Alex jumpstarted the car with the other car they have. We left the car running while working the cupboard, so the battery could charge.

The cupboard setting went fast. I went to the REI to buy a Merino wool pair of socks, I accidently only had one pair brought from the Netherlands. There were a nice pair which I bought. Then I went to Walmart, where I bought 6 small (really!) cans of Coca Cola for the ride towards Jasper.

Also, some dry meals (from the Knorr company), for two meals they only cost $2! Now I have enough for the first week. A carton of oat milk and some sweets for during cycling. I went back via the Highway and was back home in 15 minutes. I am so lucky to have a car I can use, so much more comfort.

The evening was special, Richard came by and the four of us had a great meal Megan made. She likes to cook and that could be tasted very well!

Another very special day went by! One more day in Bellingham, before going towards Jasper in Canada.