June 7, 2003 – Introduction – On Saturday May 24, 2003 Robyn Gear departed for a year of adventure on her bike. Depending on how you know her – from Laurentian University & the Big Nickel, Trilife Sports International, 24 Hours of Adrenalin or the lovely town of Newmarket, Ontario) – her plans finally came together to embark on a journey of exploration in other realms… “it was time to see other places, meet new people and explore the world – and what better way than on a bike!”

Gear flew to Paris to tour for four months through Belgium, Holland, France, Austria, Germany and Italy with plans to catch some of the Tour de France in July. Then she's off to New Zealand in October for some Kiwi flavour and some much needed replenishing of funds. February of 2004 will bring her to Australia for a few months and then she'll return to Canada.

Robyn will be sending regular “Gear's Adventure” updates which will be posted at pedalmag.com for anyone interested in reading about her journeys and keeping track of her… her parting words of wisdom were “As you move from one place to another in your life, remember that the ride is more important than the destination.” Here's our Gear Adventure report…

Hey everyone… hope all is well in the big N.A. Not to worry. The Euros are treating me quite well and I have been enjoying my time so far. Two weeks into this trip and it feels like two months! Travelling is hard work that is for sure. Right now I am in Mechelen, Belgium which is 30k North of Brussels. I finished my first week on the bike and I have been here ever since resting my bum, sleeping in a bed and enjoying not having to pack up my gear every morning!

I have completed 500km from Amsterdam to Brussels so far and I am departing Sunday morning, tomorrow, for Versailles which will be another 600km or so. Enjoying seeing countries on a bike as opposed to train or car. You definitely learn to appreciate the people and landscapes more. Especially the flat landscapes of which Holland and parts of Belgium are well known for.

Some successes so far: met a great girl in Paris, Erin, who showed me the travelling ropes when I first arrived. See had been travelling Europe for four months to date so she had lots of great advice to share. Also made it through my first train experience to Amsterdam without too much problem. Let's just say that travelling with a trailer, a bike bag and a large 60lbs gear bag makes moving from place to place quite difficult. People have been helpful though and I have taken lots of taxis. Enjoying living in my tent. It's very comfortable and just the right size. No major bike problems yet. Bent a brake lever when I got caught in a rut and fell coming down a hill. Still works though so no worries!

Language hasn't been that much of a problem yet.. I can usually find someone who can answer my questions. Finding the riding easy but I am taking it slow but I havn't hit the mountains yet so my story may change! Some challenges: of course I have gotten a little lost on some of my routes. You have to expect that. The weather has been either very warm and hot or rainy so I have had to contend with unusual conditions. I think I brought too much stuff, so I am slowly sending some of it home to lighten the load. The food is different! Just about everything is deep fried! Had my first Belgian waffle today and it was great! Nothing like Eggos that is for sure! The last challenge has been travelling on my own and missing the ones that I love. It can sure tend to get lonely sometimes. Doing a lot of writing, reading and thinking that is for sure. So that invitation is still open to all of you to come and join me anytime any where!

All is good and not too many outrageous stories to tell so far which I think is a good thing. I met another Canadian girl a few nights ago who is also cycling through Europe alone – we had a lot to talk about! Good to know that I am not the only one out there! Thank you for all the well wishes after my last email! I even have some of them taped to my handlebars to motivate me on those rainy days! All of my goals to date have been met so I am happy and ready for the next leg. My reward at the end of June is follwing Lance and his crew through France so that is my motivation for now. I have rented a car so there are some spots available if anyone can afford a few weeks away in July!

I hope all is going well with you all and I will do my best to keep these emails coming! Take care and happy trails!

Love, Robyn