Pod Living

So..... We are about two months out from the start of the bikepacking expedition across Iceland. We will be traveling in pods since that is the most effective strategy for taking on adventure that includes 13 people.

A message to one pod - the team that hold the responsibility for carrying adventure on in the next decades - Tom, Jacob and Jackson. Jacob and Jackson are Physics and Engineering doctoral students, and Tom is a brilliant science fiction writer and all are 30 and younger.

Good morning....

While thinking about pods ......

I've learned more than ever from teaching the spring course and getting students' payloads ready, and the riding group settled into reality, that as awkward as it feels I can't go wrong keeping two key elements always front and center: Determine where there is unpredictability and reduce friction that can undermine success.

Mark is as experienced as a person can be and we are beyond lucky to have him driving the vehicle.

For this pod, the unpredictable, which Mark especially needs to be aware of, is mostly experience and repair knowledge. Not everyone can fix their bike and trouble shoot mechanical issues. But everyone is on target for being good to go, given the effort being put in by each person to be ready. In this pod, there is collective knowledge of basic upkeep on the trail, like switching out pads and adjusting brakes and the derailleur.

Issues I see that might come up: not sure you all will have issues you cannot figure out.

You three have very good navigational skills.

The other unpredictable pieces are inexperience with pushing and distributing effort - pacing; nutrition; and joint issues. This is simply a matter of experience, and you've got to begin somewhere and there is no better place than Iceland.

Pacing - one late day can destroy the next three days. You will recover well day to day. Know that you have a body that may not have had the load before, but will rise to the occasion. Rule of thumb, conclude by 6pm without fail. Second rule of thumb, practice breaking the spell of identification with thoughts. Third rule of thumb - when you are at your limit remember it won't get worse, but only better, and I don't mean this as a motivational tactic but as stating reality. For this reason, no decision until you are done riding for the day.

I expect this group to be riding, maybe, ahead after the Central Highlands.