Safety is a big part of everything we do, especially when working with heavy equipment, rough seas, and changing weather. Much of our work involves geophysics and oceanography, using specialized equipment to study the ocean and the Earth deep beneath the seafloor.
And that brings us to the “Port” in Pedal to Port. My destination is Vigo, a port city in northwestern Spain, where I will meet back up with the R/V Marcus G. Langseth. My route begins in Morocco and takes me north for just over 1,000 miles. Part of the journey will follow the Camino de Santiago, a network of historic routes leading toward Santiago de Compostela.
There are certainly easier ways to get from Morocco to Vigo. I’m choosing a bicycle. And that’s the “Pedal” in Pedal to Port. There is something else you should know: I am not an expert cyclist! I’m a beginner. I know how to ride a bike, but I have never attempted a bicycle journey like this before. That means I have a lot to learn.
Being a beginner is part of the adventure. You don’t have to be an expert before trying something new. Everyone who is good at something was a beginner once. You can learn, ask questions, prepare, practice, and then give it a try. That is exactly what I’m doing.
One of my first stops was University Bicycles in Boulder, Colorado, where I had a professional bike fit. A bike fit is a little like having a bicycle tailored to your body. The seat, handlebars, and other parts are adjusted to make riding more comfortable and efficient, especially when riding for hours every day. I also had a lot of questions! The experts at University Bicycles were fantastic about answering them and helping me prepare for the journey.
