Feldmann Family Interviews - Stefan Feldmann

The Feldmann family has departed on their great family bicycle touring adventure across Canada. On a roughly monthly basis I will be checking in with the family to see how their tour is going and to ask them some questions about their adventure.

This month the interview is with Stefan and Tristan and the topic is focused on the pretour preparation that the family performed. Tristan's comments will be added a bit later this month once they arrive! (grin).

Stefan Feldmann

I understand that this month has included selling the house, packing, readying the gear and finishing many school assignments. As the month winds down and you prepare for the start of your adventure what thoughts are going through your mind?

"I've grown to appreciate the fact that my parents like bicycle touring and that they like the outdoors (hiking and camping).I guess if they didn't, then we wouldn't be going across Canada."

It's always nice to anticipate a future tour so what do you have planned for the next month? Do you have a rough idea of where you are going and what you are looking forward to seeing the most?

"We have a rough idea of where we are going in BC, Alberta and the Maritimes. The rest is just day to day. I think I'll look forward to the different foods, cultures and the scenery."

How are your bikes looking? Have you had a chance to tune them, upgrade them etc in preparation for the tour?

"I recently received a new bike on which I have added bar ends, new Schwalbe tires and a new horn."

The Feldmann Family on Day One of their tour.
Click to enlarge.

Are you taking anything special with you on your journey like toys, books, games, comfort snacks etc?

"Before we go I'll probably stop off at a second hand book store and I'll pick up a book for the trip. Or I'll bring along the car magazine I just got for my birthday."

What one thing do you think you will miss the most while on the road?

"There are many things I'll miss on this trip, but I'll miss Lego the most. I thought of taking some with me, but the only problem is that it's small and could get lost easily."

I know that you guys are likely worried about the ability of your parents to keep up with you and not slow you down too much while touring! Have they been training at all? Do you think they need to?

"My mom and dad have been riding daily on a 50km loop up to a nearby ski hill and back. Their current record is 2 days, 9 hours and 31 minutes."

Have you guys been training? Are you ready to tour?

"Due to selling our home, the garage sale, and the windy weather, we haven't been able to get out training lately. "

Are there any other historical words that you would like to type before your tour begins?

"No historical words. "

Stefan is thirteen years old.

I am looking forward to meeting the entire family once they reach Ontario. I will be adding Tristan's replies to these questions once they arrive. Meanwhile I am looking forward to reading more about their adventure in their daily journal on Crazyguyonabike called Family Adventure Across Canada.

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