Blue
While I could pretend to be highly knowledgeable and know the answer to everything, I won't lie to you. When I started this trip I was a mediocre biker at best, and not in the greatest of shape. But that is not to say I didn't learn from my mistakes and successes, and with any luck you can too.
- Before you go on the trip (like, months in advance), contact the various provinces' travel and tourism offices. They will be able to give you all kinds of information on the various laws of each province (like what equipment is mandatory, what roads you can and can't bike on, etc.) as well as information on places to stay (be it campground or hotel).
- Never underestimate distances. Check and double check them. And then have someone else check them. We got them all right... except the first day and it sets the tone of the trip.
- Make sure before you go that everyone has talked openly about their expectations and goals for the trip.
- If you can, call ahead to find out if campsites will even be open around the time you are passing through. We hit places that were closed or nonexistent except on maps and only through luck were able to stay.
- People are amazing. Talk to them. It will kill the boredom and provide you with something new to discuss around the campfire at night. Also, when in need, they will show surprising amounts of generosity.
- Be creative. Often a problem can be overcome in a creative way.
- Be prepared for problems. They will happen and good preparation (including mental preparation) will help a lot.
- Only the highway in Manitoba is flat. Everything else is flat in a car.
- This trip is physically manageable by anyone. You don't have to be a super athlete to keep up. I had a university inspired belly and a pair of bad knees. I made it. So can you.
- This trip is not emotionally manageable by anyone. Everything is tempered by the emotions at the time. When you are hungry, tired, sore, wet, cold and then disappointed... it can ruin your day. The right frame of mind carries you through. The wrong one flattens you.
- A mix of attitudes is essential. You need the optimists to push you beyond what you think you can. You need the pessimists to keep you from killing yourself. In the end, you'll wind up somewhere in between. No one will be one or the other all the time.
- Know your route. Know your gear. Know your companions. Know yourself.