I Have Altered the Deal

Despite its flaws, this is still one of my favorite CCGs.

When last we met I was contemplating my options as fires in the Northwest close bike routes and generally make outdoor recreation unsafe. After a few days of reflection, I’ve decided to continue my coast-to-coast adventure by diverting southwest, likely passing through Denver, Salt Lake City, and northern Nevada before landing somewhere around San Francisco to dip my wheels into the Pacific Ocean.

If you’re a game designer roughly along this route, please reach out to me. I’d love to stop by and playtest some games with you.

Seems like such a little detour now…but probably not while I’m riding it.

This new route adds over 600 miles, and a WHOLE lot more elevation in front of me. By my count, in order to finish the trip to make it to PAX West on time, I need to average around 75 miles a day on what seems to be a more difficult route. (For reference I was averaging 50 up until Fargo).

I probably won’t make it to PAX West

As I reflected on my goals, ending this trip at PAX was a nice touch, but it was never the purpose. Atlantic to Pacific, playtesting games along the way. That’s the pilgrimage.

I did consider other options, the most serious of which was renting a car to drive to Kansas City and head directly west from there.

But, my heart wasn’t really in any of the other scenarios I toyed with - not until I do the coast-to-coast thing.

Keep on riding.

A few days of riding hard

I’m keeping the door open on PAX - I’m riding hard for the next week or so, trying to build up a reserve of “extra” miles while the landscape is still relatively flat. I think when I get to Denver I’ll have a definitive idea of whether or not I’ll make it on time for PAX. Part of this decision, though, is acknowledging that if pushing too hard is taking away from the enjoyment of the trip, then I’m going to just relax and have fun.

But Seattle, I’m still coming for you. I just may be late.