no dry run

Test ride scratched again.

I wanted my & Butch's first ride/camp experience to be a good one, at least as far as weather's concerned. Especially travelling across a major city. Forecast this weekend is big storm blowing in. Heavy winds, dropping temps, rain Sat night & Sunday possibly heavy at times, saying could be snow or sleet overnight. Aaargh.

Thought I'd do a one-nighter instead, get home midday Saturday before the wind and rain hit. Phoned old friend to ask if would be ok to ride to the west side tomorrow and camp out on her land, as we've discussed before. Old friend, who almost never goes anywhere, just so happens will be away all day until night tomorrow, and is not comfortable with nobody being home to ensure I arrive and set up safely. I confess I was touched by her concern even while sighing over the way things were working out (or not).

This is the only part of trip planning that refuses to fall into place. I've come to conclusion there will be no "dry run." I'm either doing this, or not. The first week of the ride will be when the kinks are worked out, Butch lets me know how he'll do, and I learn to deal with the discomforts of camping. I'll have plenty of time to gain experience.

Crossing my fingers for beginner's luck!