My Timeline

To better understand how much time I have to prepare for June 20, 2010, and decide what is realistic in achieving my goal of cycling across North America next summer, I'm creating a timeline of priorities in this blog. Along with highlighting my concerns and doubts, I should also note the possibilities and the smaller, more immediate things I can control. The below will be subject to change as I learn more about what I will need to have and do.

June 20, 2009 - Begin Blog-By-Bike.com ✔
July 15, 2009 - Submit formal request for an unpaid leave of absence ✔ 
June 30, 2009 - Assess financial needs & create a general budget ✔ 
August 15, 2009 - Begin saving money ✔ 
September 30, 2009 - Have a second part-time job ✔ 
October 1, 2009 - Confirm approval for unpaid leave ✔ 
November 30, 2009 - Determine a more specific budget ✔ 
December 15, 2009 - Submit AbyB Registration Form & $250 Tour Deposit ✔ and purchase travel insurance ✔ 
December 31, 2009 - Deadline to purchase a standard, diamond frame Touring/Racing bicycle & necessary safety gear ✔
January 15-ish, 2010 - Receive Full Orientation Tour Kit, Pre-Ride Preparation Kit and Full Training Guide & Customized Training Program from America by Bicycle ✔ 
January 15-ish, 2010 - Begin outdoor training program 
January 30, 2010 - Confirm suggested airline arrival (in OR) and departure dates (from NH) with AbyB ✔ 
February 1, 2010 - Begin researching one-way airfare from New York City to Astoria, OR, on June 19, and one-way airfare from Portsmith, NH, to New York City on August 10 ✔ 
April 1, 2010 - Advertise my bedroom in Hell's Kitchen for summer sublet 
March 30, 2010 - Deadline to purchase one-way airfares to Astoria, OR, and from Portsmith, NH ✔
May 31, 2010 - Deadline to purchase additional necessities (e.g. changes of cycling attire, small cycling back pack) 
June 5, 2010 (?) - Ship my bicycle to Astoria, OR 
June 10, 2010 - Begin packing my bags 
June 15, 2010 - Write a check to job #1 for the full amount of my corporate-rate health care coverage while I'm on my leave of absence
June 17, 2010 - Hand over copies of my apartment keys to a summer sublet tenant (I hope) 
June 18, 2010 - Fly to Astoria, OR 
June 20, 2010 - Dip my rear wheel in the Pacific Ocean and head east! 

More general tour information is available on America By Bicycle's website.