Getting ready to go....

We have spent the last few weeks preparing for our quest to ride the Rhine. We have been riding daily along some of Denver's beautiful cycling trails.  To the right with snow capped Rockies in the background and  below, the Highline Canal trail is one of our favorites.

We were kept busy with the riding to build our stamina and visits to the bicycle shop to fit out our tandem for touring.  Any And All Bicycles in Englewood was a great help in acquiring the necessary accessories for our trip. Don and Vi,  the owners, and their son Demetrius were a delight to work with. Everything was accomplished in the nick of time as can be seen in the fully-kitted bicycle below.

Photo credit to Terry,  our next door neighbor

At last the time came to disassemble the tandem and pack it up into its enormous suitcase.  Ken spent the afternoon at this task... 

... while Sal goofed off by the pool.

Finally we were ready to leave the RV and get our ride to the airport,  thank you Brian and Gina,  with just a few pieces of luggage! All the logistics felt as if we were planning an expedition.