For extra abrasion resistance, I ended up going with the 4oz cloth, laid down first, cut at the chine, then covered with the full 6oz up to the sheer. Looks great, & I beefed up the keel at the bow and stern with some extra layers. Thought you might be interested in the trip we're doing.....here it is...

CANADA TO CABO EXPEDITION 2000

Gear sponsors to date: Camelbak, Extrasport, Mountain Surf, Petzl, Watership Trading Companie, Design Salt, B.O.B. Bike Trailers, Coleman, Royal Robbins, Adventure Medical Kits

On August 3, 2000, Heather Christensen and I, Brandon Nelson, will be leaving Coloma, California for Glacier National Park on the Montana-British Columbia border. There we will begin peddling the 2,465 mile "Great Divide Bike Trail." The trail, which extends all the way to Mexico's border, is the longest off-pavement cycling route in the world, and parallels the Great Divide within 50 miles along its entire length. Pulling bike trailers full of our gear, we'll ride the meandering route through Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico. Camping out along the way, we'll travel through grizzly country, over 10,000 foot passes, through the southwest desert, and undoubtedly through every kind of weather conceivable. The journey should last between two and three months.

When we reach Mexico's border, however, we're just getting started. From there we'll be turning west, as we head across northern Mexico and into Baja. We'll ride on to San Felipe, the northernmost outpost on the Sea of Cortez, and at that point we'll transition from bikes to wood and epoxy expedition sea kayaks which we're currently building ourselves here in Coloma.

The second leg of our journey begins then, and involves paddling roughly 1,200 miles south, the entire length of the Baja Peninsula, to the town of Cabo San Lucas. Again, we'll be carrying all the gear needed to navigate, camp out on the beaches and islands, make drinking water, fish for fresh seafood, and keep photographic records of our adventures and encounters along the way.

The entire journey will involve over 4,000 miles of travel, and is planned to keep us in the wilds for six to seven months. The effort has long since begun, though, as the planning involved has kept us busy every waking moment. But the enthusiasm and support shown to us by everyone we speak to about the expedition has been empowering. From expert help on boat design and building techniques, to bikepacking tips, to connections in the gear industry... the trip is very much about the whole community of people out there who love adventure.

One main "theme" of our entire plan is maintaining communication. That's why we're very excited about our discovery of a handheld GPS unit that is capable of sending and receiving e-mails via satellite uplink. By bringing this device with us, our supporters will be able to share in our journey as we provide consistent updates. Every three days or so, we'll send a brief e-mail describing how our gear, bodies, and attitudes are holding up. Also, to help fund the expedition, we're asking "subscribers" to make a donation which in return adds their name to the e-mail address list. We've been very pleased with the positive response we've so far received.

To help support our Canada to Cabo Expedition, and to have your name added to our e-mail list, send your donation (minimum $25 made out to either Heather or I) and your e-mail address to the PO Box listed below. When we receive it, we'll send you an e-mail to confirm. Not only will you be receiving our updates throughout the journey, but we'd love to hear from you as well.

Thanks so much for your support and encouragement. We'll be in touch.......

Respectfully,

Brandon Nelson and Heather Christensen

home ph: 530-642-8124 PO Box 973 cell ph: 415-637-5973 Lotus, CA Brandon's e-mail: kayakerx@hotmail.com 95651 Heather's e-mail: rivergal23@hotmail.com