🚴‍♂️ Chris Lee-Francis, author of the book 'Eastwards and Far,' joins the Trailmark Podcast to discuss his epic journey across Canada on a bike. He shares the beginning of his bike touring adventures, the challenges of choosing the right bike and bike fit, the experiences of wild camping, and the importance of documenting the journey through writing and filming. Chris also reflects on the changing mindset and landscape during the journey and the role of music in evoking memories of the ride. He also talks about the weather challenges he faced, from extreme heat to constant rain. Chris shares his approach to planning and the gear he brought with him, emphasizing the importance of refining what you have as you go. He discusses the considerations of packing for multiple days and the challenges of carrying water. Chris also mentions the mechanical issues he encountered and shares his future plans, including getting his newborn involved in cycling. (00:00) Introduction (02:07) The Beginning of the Journey (04:04) Choosing the Right Bike (06:26) The Importance of Bike Fit (08:19) Wild Camping Challenges (10:45) The Experience of Traffic (13:28) Benefits of Documenting the Journey (18:37) Process of Writing the Book (23:30) Changing Mindsets Along the Way (30:42) Challenges and Surprises (37:48) Memories and Music (41:03) Weather Challenges (42:26) Camping Equipment (43:43) Approach to Planning and Gear (44:40) Packing for Multiple Days (45:09) Water and Food Considerations (45:58) Mechanical Issues (46:52) Future Plans 🔗 Connect with Chris: To delve deeper into Chris's cycling escapades and literary pursuits, visit https://chrisleefrancis.com. Join him on his two-wheeled odyssey and explore the wealth of experiences and insights he has to offer in his novel, 'Eastwards and Far.' ⭐ If you enjoyed the episode, we'd be grateful for a 5-star review on Spotify and Apple Music. Your feedback is our compass in the podcasting landscape! 🌟