Frank 2 Fred Planning

We have decided to use www.trello.com for our Frank to Fred 2012 planning.
If you want to ride with us on the Frank2Fred ride then send me an e-mail and I'll add you to the site so you can collaborate in the planning.

Watch this video to get an idea how it works:

Saddle Sores

This is not a very pleasant topic, but one that certainly needs addressed.   Particularly since many of us have been off the bike a while.   As we get back into riding, there are sure to be a few tender spots until we get the sitting area toughened up a bit.  

I think we all know how to prevent saddle sores, but a quick review may be in order.  

- Wear good quality cycling shorts.  Bib shorts tend to fit better and work better because they shift less during riding.  It is the friction that causes the irritation and chaffing.  

- Don't sit around in your shorts after the ride.   The salt starts to dry and form crystals that irritate the skin.  Also, unpleasant things start to grow in warm wet places. 

- Use a good quality chamois cream.  I have tried several brands and they all seem to work well.  There are plenty of reviews out there, so do some research and find the brand you like. 

- Ride with the right saddle.  When I started cycling I used the stock seat for a while.  I quickly learned it was a mistake.  Unfortunately almost everyone is going to need to fork out the bucks to get a good saddle.  Again, there is plenty of information out there to help you choose a saddle that is right for you. 

What if you get saddle sores, then what? 

I have tried several things, but the best remedy that I have found is Maximum Strength Desitin.  Hey, if it works for babies with sore butts, then why not?  Desitin works well, but I'm sure most any ointment with zinc oxide would work.   My experience has been that the sores start to heal up within 24 hours.  Keep the area clean and apply the Desitin often.   Good luck and happy riding.  

Frank to Fred - Ride across Utah (the long way)

For some time I have had this burning desire to ride across Utah, the long way.  Right now it is just a dream that I'm working on, but it won't ever be reality unless I make a plan.

After looking for the optimum route, I think the Franklin Idaho to Fredonia Arizona route would be the best. Here is the google map   Both of these small towns are just across the border, and they have cool names that would look good on a T-shirt.  I'm thinking

I rode

Frank to Fred 2012

Across Utah

(The long way)

The route still needs some significant work. It is basically what google maps gave me when I told it to choose a bike route between the two cities. 

According to Google it is about 425 miles.  If I did about 60-70 miles a day I could make the trip in 7 travel days.   What I'm thinking right now is that I would start on a Wednesday.  Here is the basic plan.  (Mileage is approximate.  I know it doesn't add up to 425)

Day 1 - Franklin ID to Kaysville - 80 miles
Day 2 - Kaysville to Saratoga Springs - 62 miles
Day 3 - Saratoga Springs to Nephi - 52 miles
Day 4 - Nephi to Salina - 58 miles
Day 5 - Rest Day
Day 6 - Salina to Junction - 66 miles
Day 7 - Junction to Hatch - 50 miles
Day 8 - Hatch to Fredonia AZ - 60 miles

Plan B would be to do it in 6 days with no rest day.  Starting on a Monday
Day 1 - Franklin ID to Kaysville - 80 miles
Day 2 - Kaysville to Saratoga Springs - 62 miles
Day 3 - Saratoga Springs to Nephi - 52 miles
Day 4 - Nephi to Richfield - 75 miles
Day 5 - Richfield to Panguitch - 80 miles
Day 6 - Panguitch to Fredonia AZ - 75 miles

Right now I'm thinking that I would do day 1 on a road bike with minimal support and no baggage.  
After I day 1 I would ride a touring bike with a couple of panniers containing extra clothing, food and other essentials.  I would stay in hotels every night.  Basically, I would do it with no sag support.

I don't mind making this a solo adventure, but I would like someone to ride with.  Anyone else interested?
Who knows, maybe this will go somewhere.  RABGRAI had humble beginnings. 

For those of you who are asking yourself the question, Isn't there already a ride across Utah?   The answer is yes.  It is called LAGBRAU.  I looked into doing this ride, but it just didn't accomplish my goal.  First it doesn't go all the way across Utah, and if it did, they do it the short way (east to west).