Introducing .. Lesley

We've known Lesley for a few years but are only just now getting to know her well. This trip to Florida is the first leg of a much longer ride she is treating herself to after her recent retirement. My Allie feels kind of proud to have been a cycle tour role model but Lesley is going way beyond my Allie's comfort zone. In June of this year we joined her on a 900 klm trip around Lake Ontario. Kind of a dry run for her big adventure. My Allie and I did that ride a few years ago. That was when she realized that I was always running with her, and always will as long as she needs me, just out of sight beyond the first row of trees, just the way it was when we skied and ran through the forest years ago. Don't ask me why I keep just out of sight. It's a Husky thing I guess. On the ride last June, Lesley was dragging a trailer. It was a learning experience.  Although very convenient for carrying bike gear, clothes plus camping and cooking gear and food, the trailer was hard, hard work. It slowed her down and made hill climbing, well, torture. My Allie and I were quietly entertained by her herculean efforts to drag that orange beast (trailer had a custom made, bright orange cover) around the lake.

But the combination of the trailer, the heat and the endless hills had us concerned about her ability to finish the ride.

     As you will see in future pictures, Lesley has switched to panniers, front and back, just like my Allie.