Email Notification of Site Updates
Everyone now has the option to be notified via email when a new post is published. Click on the links which say Email Notification in the top right corner, in the right rail or follow this link. Alternatively a great way to keep abreast of the updates made on this site as well as other blogs you may read is to use an RSS reader.

Google Maps on the Home Page
The home page has changed with the most visible update being the addition of a map. There is a blue line on the map which represents out route as it is mapped out by the Adventure Cycling Association. For each post we publish a push pin will appear on the map and link to the full text of that post. Only the most recent post will be displayed on the front page now with a link to a page with earlier posts.

Trip Statistics
Additionally, in the header of the front page we’ve added some statistics so you can quickly check out our status. Look for the miles ridden, feet climbed and days on the trail to start incrementing soon.

Integration with MotionBased
Finally, we’ve worked out the details to show a summary for each day’s ride inside of each post. We both have GPS units mounted on the handlebars so everyone can follow along (even when we take a wrong turn) using Google Maps and Google Earth.

Upgrade to Wordpress v2.2
At the same time I upgraded to the latest version of Wordpress, the blogging software behind the site. It looks like everything is working but if you see any quirky behavior please let me know.

Tosha was a Portuguese Water Dog (commonly referred to as a Portie or PWD) with a personality all her own. A number of people following the site knew Tosha from when she “went to college” and came to stay with me while I was studying at the University of Illinois in Urbana/Champaign. Others had a chance to toss a ball, play with and sometimes chase her when she slipped out of the house when visiting at my parents house. I know a few people have chosen a Portie for their next pet after spending time with Tosha.

Tosha, whose full name was Encanto Bella Tosha, answered to “Toto”, “Tosha Marie” or just a simple “To”, and she really was a member of our family. With her playful attitude and antics she’ll be deeply missed.