I’ve been spending some time in the Bay Area this week and getting my last bit of legs for the Oregon Outback and spending some much needed time with my lovely wife.

Tuesday I was able to ride with the Rapha folks up the tough part of Diablo to their mobile club and watch a bit of the ATOC. The heat got to me that day, and I had a tough time towards the end, but fun was had regardless.

Not really much to report beyond that, other than amazing weather and good times, so here’s some shots from the first part of this week.

I hooked up with the Rapha guys to ride up Diablo to their Mobile Cycle Unit and none other than John Prolly was there, scoping my bike. He took a few photos and posted them on his site.  Head over and check it out:
http://theradavist.com/2014/05/joshuas-bryant-650b-dirt-road-tourer/#2

We got wet, real wet. We may have broken a couple laws here and there. But fun was had and lessons learned. It was good to get out and spin the wheels with some new friends.

The Outback is getting close and I’m figuring out just how to tackle it. I’m undertrained, and not nearly as nervous as I probably should be about that. Stoke meter is on high though.

I’m finishing up some stuff around here, then headed to SF next week to do a bit of riding and hang out with friends and my wife. Then I’m back in Portland and off to the OR Outback.

Coming soon: I’m going to give a good breakdown of my kit and how it’s carried on FaTRoB.

I’ll have an in depth post of how I’m packing things into what bags etc… but for now a pretty picture. Luggage is installed and ready to rock. A mix of Revelate Designs and Oveja Negra. Currently dry fitted to the frame in preperation for the Oregon Outback ride in a bit over 4 weeks.

The plan was to head out to Hood River, ride about 100k with about 7300′ of climbing on some remote gravel roads. Plagued by Adam getting too many flats, we cut it short but still had a great time none-the-less. This is one of those rides where you finish wanting more, which is good to experience occasionally.

Check out the proposed route here.

FaTRoB did awesome on these gravel roads, btw…

I’m still putting some of the final touches on the FaTRoB build. I just installed a Supernova Plug III to power a charger for my iPhone. I’ve decided to forgo the GPS and use the iPhone and the apps GaiaGPS and Benchmark Maps. Both allow you to cache maps to peruse when there is no cell service, which will greatly aid in navigation in some back woods scenarios.

I’m also getting the last of the pieces together for the baggage I’m making for the ride, but more on that soon enough.  Getting stoked to get out and explore/do some long days with some nights in the woods.